Wisconsin defensive coordinator Dave Doeren is ready to become a head coach, and he'll get his chance in 2011.

Northern Illinois will introduce Doeren as its head coach at a news conference scheduled for 3 p.m. ET today in DeKalb, Ill. Doeren has spent the past three seasons as Wisconsin's defensive coordinator/linebackers coach after serving as co-defensive coordinator/recruiting coordinator in 2006 and 2007.

Doeren had interviewed for the head-coaching vacancies at both Indiana and Vanderbilt, so it's no surprise that he landed a top job. I really like this hire for Northern Illinois, as Doeren is young and charismatic and brings a strong track record both as a coach and as a recruiter. His Wisconsin defense wasn't a lock-down unit this season, but it finished in the top four of the Big Ten in most major statistical categories. Doeren deserves credit for helping mold defenders like J.J. Watt and Chris Borland into stars.

Doeren will stay with Wisconsin through the Rose Bowl, colleague Joe Schad reports.

Don't be surprised if Wisconsin head coach Bret Bielema replaces Doeren by promoting from within. Defensive line coach Charlie Partridge would be a good choice to move into the coordinator role.