Coaching carousel continues

• by Paul Kennedy  @pkedit, Jan 21, 2010

John Trask is the latest well-known coach to switch schools, leaving UIC, which he led to the Elite Eight in 2007 for the first time, for Wisconsin, filling the vacancy left by Todd Yeagley, who returned to his alma mater, Indiana.

Trask, 43, spent the past five seasons at UIC, leading the Flames to three Horizon League championships and three NCAA Tournament appearances.

"John's coaching accomplishments and background make him a perfect fit for us," Wisconsin athletic director Barry Alvarez said. "He has had tremendous success as a coach on the collegiate level as well as the professional level. His familiarity with the Big Ten as both a player and assistant coach will be a great asset for our team.

In 2009, UIC finished with a 6-6-7 record, marking the only season in which Trask's squad failed to reach double-digit wins.

Trask previously spent five seasons as an assistant coach with three MLS clubs: the now-defunct Miami Fusion, D.C. United and FC Dallas.

He becomes the sixth head coach in the 34-year history of the Wisconsin program.