Madison native and University of Wisconsin alumnus Paul Chryst is coming home. The university announced the hiring of the former Badgers assistant and Pittsburgh University head coach on Wednesday as the program's 30th head coach. 

Chryst was a three-time Badgers letterwinner as a player and served eight years as an assistant coach for the Badgers before spending the last three years going 19-19 as the head of the Pittsburgh University football program.

"I’d like to thank coach (athletic director Barry) Alvarez for this wonderful opportunity," Chryst said in a statement. "This is obviously a special place not only for me but our whole family. I would also like to thank the players, staff and administration at Pitt for the last three years. I’m proud of what I helped to accomplish there and appreciate the support I’ve received. Pitt will always have a special place in my heart."

Chryst had led the Panthers to three consecutive bowl berths. 

As the Badgers' offensive coordinator, Chryst coached future NFL players Russell Wilson, Montee Ball,  James White, Jared Abbrederis and Nick Toon, among others.

"I’m ecstatic to be able to bring Paul back to the Badger family," Alvarez said in a statement. "He was the first person I called when I knew we would have an opening.

"He brings tremendous experience, both as a head coach and offensive coordinator, and knowledge of our program to the job. He is one of the best offensive minds I have ever come across and I think his consistent results show that."