LI's Jack Coan enters transfer portal after playing parts of three seasons at Wisconsin
In this Jan. 1, 2020, file photo, Wisconsin quarterback Jack Coan passes against Oregon during first half of the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game in Pasadena, Calif. Credit: AP/Mark J. Terrill
University of Wisconsin senior quarterback Jack Coan confirmed that he will not return to the Badgers football program for the 2021 season.
Coan, who suffered a broken right foot in fall camp and underwent surgery in early October, did not play this season. He entered the NCAA transfer portal, less than 24 hours after Wisconsin’s 20-17 overtime win over Minnesota in the Big Ten season finale.
"I have entered the transfer portal and I’m excited about what the future holds for me," said Coan, a record-breaking quarterback from Sayville, who earned the 2016 Hansen Award as Suffolk’s top player.
"I’m looking at some new opportunities."
As a junior, Coan had one of the most efficient seasons by a quarterback in Wisconsin's history. Leading the Badgers to a 10-4 record, a Big Ten West Division title, and a Rose Bowl berth, Coan completed 69% of his passes for 2,727 yards and 18 touchdowns to five interceptions.
He worked tirelessly to come back early from surgery and was in uniform for the final three games but was not called on to play.
In a statement released by the school, Coan said that "being at Wisconsin has been the experience of a lifetime that I will cherish forever."
Coan thanked his teammates, coaches, athletic trainers and support staffers. He said the decision to leave was "not easy" but added that he knows "it's the right one" for him and his family.
Coan, a preseason Maxwell Award and Manning Award Watch List nominee, played in 25 games for Wisconsin, including 18 starts. The 6-3 signal caller had a 12-6 record as a starter, including an 8-3 mark in Big Ten games.
"I want to thank Jack for all that he has meant to this team and program during his time as a Badger," coach Paul Chryst said in a statement. "He represented Wisconsin with class both on and off the field. He is a tremendous person, and we wish him all the best."
Coan said he was extremely busy Sunday packing all of his things and answering a ton of calls.
"I’m thankful for the opportunity at Wisconsin," he said.
Gregg Sarra is Newsday's high school sports editor and has been on the beat since the mid-1980s.
