"First of all, I want to thank (SDSU Director of Athletics) Justin Sell. He brought me back to coaching and gave us everything we needed to be successful. For what he did I will be forever grateful," Bono said. "I also want to thank the fans for all their support. SDSU and the community of Brookings is a very special place."
In his six seasons at SDSU, Bono coached 24 NCAA qualifiers and five All-Americans. He also led the Jackrabbits to a 64-41 dual record that included four consecutive winning seasons and a 22-3 mark against Big 12 Conference foes since joining the league at the start of the 2015-16 season. SDSU was a fixture in the national rankings each of the last three seasons, rising to as high as No. 12 this past season.
"Coach Bono came in at a really important time for our wrestling program and we wish him and his family nothing but the best after an incredible run," Sell said. "Through his efforts in recruiting quality student-athletes we've seen our program reach new heights and have developed a national reputation for a passionate fan base. I'm excited about where this program is going."
Bono, who previously served a three-year stint as head coach at Chattanooga (2006-09) and was a longtime assistant at his alma mater, Iowa State, took over a Jackrabbit program in the spring of 2012 that had won a combined seven duals in the three seasons prior to his arrival. His squads increased their dual winning percentage each season, which included recording three consecutive 14-win campaigns to close out his tenure.
At Wisconsin, Bono takes over for National Wrestling Hall of Fame coach Barry Davis, who resigned earlier this month after 25 years at the helm of the Badger program.
A national search to find Bono's successor will begin immediately.
