The Wisconsin Badgers fired football coach Paul Chryst after starting the season 2-3.

Athletic director Chris McIntosh released a statement explaining the move that will make defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard interim head coach.

"After a heartfelt and authentic conversation with Coach Chryst about what is in the long-term best interest of our football program, I have concluded that now is the time for a change in leadership," McIntosh said. "Paul is a man of integrity who loves his players. I have great respect and admiration for Paul and the legacy of him and his family at the University of Wisconsin."