Paul Chryst getting familiar with his players; Barry Alvarez at the helm for the bowl game

MADISON (WITI/AP) -- The Wisconsin Badgers are in Tampa ahead of the Outback Bowl on New Year's Day -- and after the bowl game, new leadership for the program. Paul Chryst takes over as head coach.

Badgers Athletic Director Barry Alvarez will coach the Badgers Thursday, January 1st vs. Auburn in the Outback Bowl.

Meanwhile, Chryst has been getting familiar with his players.

Alvarez knows Chryst very well, and he says he's excited for the new era to get underway.

"Paul's out there every day. He wants to get an idea of the personel and familiarize himself with them. Two classes -- our fourth and fifth year guys know Paul. He recruited some of these guys, so they do they know him already, but the young guys I think certainly are aware that he's around," Alvarez said.

Chryst was one of 46 applicants who sought to succeed Gary Andersen, leading the Badgers program.

Chryst got a five-year deal to return to become the head coach at his Alma Mater. He'll make $2.3 million in his first year.

The compensation package includes a $100,000 raise each year of the deal.

A Madison native, Chryst returned home after three seasons as the head coach at Pittsburgh. He takes over after Gary Andersen surprised Wisconsin by leaving for Oregon State after two years on the job.

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