Tony Granato fired as Wisconsin Badgers men's hockey coach

MADISON, Wis. -- Tony Granato's time as Wisconsin's men's hockey coach is up.

UW Athletic Director Chris McIntosh announced a change in leadership Monday following a second straight season where the Badgers finished under .500.

"Coach Granato is a great Badger and no is more passionate about Wisconsin hockey or the University of Wisconsin than he is," McIntosh said. "I have great appreciation for the hear and soul that he has poured into the program during his time as head coach."

The Badgers hired Granato in 2016 after Mike Eaves was fired. He was given a five-year contract extension last year despite a disappointing season.

Granato experienced brief success during his seven-season tenure in Madison. The Badgers finished as Big Ten runners-up in his first season and won the conference in the 2020-21 season.

However, fortunes turned last season as the Badgers finished 10-24-3, winning just 6 conference games. Things didn't get any better this year as the Badgers ended the season with a 13-23 record and only won 6 conference games.

"I believe our men's hockey program can consistently compete at a championship level," McIntosh said. "My intention is to find a coach that will lead the effort to get us there."

Granato played college hockey for Wisconsin before going to the NHL. After his playing days were over, he joined the Colorado Avalanche as an assistant coach. He also served as an assistant coach for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Detroit Red Wings before coming back to Wisconsin.

Granato served as head coach for Team USA during the 2018 Winter Olympics.