Andersen, who just finished his first season with the Badgers after arriving from Utah State, responded Tuesday to a report that he had “secretly interviewed” with the Browns.

“Officials from the Cleveland Browns contacted me to talk about their head coaching vacancy,” Andersen said in a statement. “After our initial conversation, I decided not to pursue the position.

“I am committed to the University of Wisconsin and the student-athletes in our program. I love the city of Madison and am grateful for all the support from Badgers fans around the state and around the country. I look forward to the start of spring football in a couple weeks and turning the focus to preparing for 2014.”

The Badgers were 9-4 in Andersen’s first season in Madison. He was 26-24 in four seasons at Utah State, including an 11-2 mark in 2012.

Wisconsin athletic director Barry Alvarez said in a statement Tuesday that Andersen kept him informed.

"I'm appreciative that Gary handled all of this the right way. He alerted me immediately that he had been contacted by the Browns and affirmed his commitment to the University of Wisconsin," Alvarez said in a statement.

"When you have talented coaches on your roster, there will always be people who want to talk to them," Alvarez said.

He signed a 5-year, $10 million contract at Wisconsin when he was hired and was given an extension through January 2019 after this past season.

The Cleveland job came open after the Browns fired Rob Chudzinski after a 4-12 season — his first with the team. Pettine previously was defensive coordinator with the Buffalo Bills.


VANDERBILT STAFF ADDS


Vanderbilt has hired Brett Maxie as a defensive backs coach and Marc Lubick as a wide receivers coach.

The school announced their hirings Tuesday in a university release.

Maxie is a 16-year NFL coaching veteran who spent the last two years as the Tennessee Titans secondary coach. Maxie played 13 years as an NFL safety with New Orleans, Atlanta, Carolina and San Francisco.

Lubick, the son of former Colorado State coach Sonny Lubick, spent the last four years on the Houston Texans' staff. He was an assistant wide receivers coach the last two seasons. He previously worked at Colorado State from 2005-09.

Vanderbilt also announced that Gerry Gdowski, who joined the staff last month, will serve as tight ends coach. Tyler Barnes has been promoted to director of player personnel.


ILLINI, HUSKIES SET DATES


Illinois has added a pair of football games against Connecticut but it will be years before fans see the team play a game against the Huskies.

The Illini announced Tuesday that they will play at Connecticut on Sept. 7, 2019. The teams then will play in Champaign on Sept. 12, 2020.

Illinois and Connecticut have never played each other in football.

The home-and-home series is one of several Illinois has announced in recent months for the seasons ahead. Others include games against North Carolina, Virginia, South Florida and Kansas.

Contributors: Ken Bradley, The Associated Press