Kirk Penney Leaves Wisconsin Staff, Greg Gard Adds Brad Davison
MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin and head coach Greg Gard have been dealt a tough blow prior to the 2025-26 season as special assistant to the head coach, Kirk Penney, has resigned and returned home to New Zealand in order to spend more time with his family. Penney steps away after spending two seasons with the Badgers.
“Our entire team and staff are grateful for the two seasons Kirk was able to spend with us and I thank him for his impact on Wisconsin Basketball,” Gard said in a statement. “He is a legend of this program and it was fun to see him extend the impact he had as a player to then a coaching role. As a father and husband myself, I fully understand the importance of being present with your spouse and young kids, which quite frankly, is a non-negotiable in the game of life. I fully support Kirk’s decision to step away from coaching to be in New Zealand on a more full-time basis to grow his business entrepreneurial goals and most certainly be there with his family. We all understand the sacrifices he has made by living and working here while his family is half a world away, and I’m excited for him to be back home with Audra and the kids.
“Kirk will always have a place in our program and I’m looking forward to finding ways to keep him included in what we are building.”
Penney is credited as the architect of Wisconsin’s new offense. Last season, Penney helped lead the Badgers to 80.9 points per game, the program’s best mark since 1971-72. UW also led the Big Ten Conference in three-point makes (9.9 per game) and led the country in free-throw shooting (82.6 percent). A member of the UW Athletic Hall of Fame, Penney starred for the Badgers from 1999 to 2003. Last year, he was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame as well.
“It has been an absolute thrill to be back with Wisconsin Basketball and I’m grateful for the opportunity from Coach Gard and the entire staff,” Penney said. “I’m looking forward to staying connected to the program, but it’s time for me to be with my family in New Zealand. My wife and children have been so accommodating and it feels like the right time to step away from the Badgers to be home. I’m also excited to continue pursuing current and new private business opportunities in New Zealand. We have built a powerful roster and an incredible staff at Wisconsin and big things are ahead. I can’t wait to watch them compete this season and help in any way possible.”
Penney’s replacement on the Wisconsin bench definitely carries his own credentials. The Badgers have brought in former UW guard Brad Davison, who won two Big Ten championships with the program.
“Adding Brad Davison to our staff is an absolute win,” Gard said. “He was the heart and soul of our program while he played here and he has stayed connected even while playing professionally over the past four years in Europe. He has a terrific basketball mind, one of the best leaders I’ve ever coached, and we know we are adding someone who will dedicate every ounce to this team. He’s a winner and will not only add valuable perspective, but he will also have the ability to connect with the guys in our locker room from day one. We can’t wait to have Brad back on the court and in our program with us.”
Davis recently concluded a professional career in Lithuania and Spain. With Wisconsin, Davison became just one of five players in program history with at least 1,500 points, 500 rebounds, and 300 assists. He ranks sixth in UW history with 101 wins and holds the school record for most 3-pointers made (300).
