Tony Granato is going back to college.

The former NHL forward, coach, and assistant is the new head coach of the University of Wisconsin, the school confirmed Wednesday.

Granato played four seasons with the Badgers from 1983 to 1987, becoming one of only two players in the history of the program to register 100 goals and 100 assists in his career.

"I don't think my heart ever left Madison (Wis.) or the Badger program," Granato said Wednesday.

"It was always there with me that someday it would be great to go back. Someday it would be an opportunity - if it ever came along - where you always think in your mind, 'Wow, wouldn't that be special and a great place to go back to?'"

Granato has served behind three NHL benches since retiring as a player in 2001, including a pair of head coaching stints with the Colorado Avalanche.

He was an assistant with the Detroit Red Wings for the last two seasons and occupied the same role with the Pittsburgh Penguins from 2009 to 2014.

Granato's brother, Don, and former Wisconsin assistant Mark Osiecki - who most recently served as an assistant with the AHL's Rockford IceHogs - will join Tony's staff.

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