ESPN's Joe Schad is reporting that Pitt has in fact hired Miami (OH) coach Michael Haywood to replace Dave Wannstedt as Panthers head coach.
Pittsburgh has hired Miami (OH) head coach Mike Haywood
Joe Schad
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Haywood went 9-15 in two seasons at Miami, however, that record did include a turnaround from 1-11 in 2009 to 9-4 and a MAC championship in 2010. He is a native of Houston and a 1986 graduate of Notre Dame. He served as offensive coordinator and running backs coach in South Bend from 2005 to 2008 before taking the Miami job.
At the time of his hiring at Miami, some prominent college football personalities had high praise for the 46-year-old.
Texas coach Mack Brown: "Mike is a perfect hire. He has earned the right to be a head coach with his great work at places like Texas, Notre Dame and LSU. He's a great recruiter, respects the game, and is the kind of young person we need in college athletics."
Gerry Faust, former Notre Dame head coach: "Miami University is the 'cradle' of college coaches, and I've known most of them. Mike Haywood is the combination of all of them. I'm confident that he will earn his way into their legendary company."
Stay tuned for more on this developing story.