Former Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt made his decision official (finally) – he’s decided to not coach the team in the BBVA Compass Bowl game against Kentucky on Saturday. Defensive coordinator Phil Bennett will be on the sidelines for Pitt:
“My loyalty to these players is to have them enjoy this experience and allow them to be the main focus of attention when they travel to Birmingham to get ready for this game,” Wannstedt said. “It would be unfair for any part of their experience to be about the head coach and his particular situation.”
“Phil Bennett has been a head coach, is respected by the players and staff, and will do a fine job leading the Pitt football team in Birmingham,” Pitt athletic director Steve Pederson said in a statement.
Apparently, according to Wannstedt, he’s known his decision for a while now:
Wannstedt said he told his seniors Sunday night he would not coach the Panthers in their bowl game but said he did not take long to make his decision about coaching the BBVA Compass Bowl.
“I just didn’t want to tell you guys,” he told reporters.
If that’s really the case, it just doesn’t make sense. Why would Wannstedt not at least tell the players? He could have been bitter beyond reason, but Wannstedt has always claimed to love the players and the school. This looks like Wannstedt’s final parting shot for his forced resignation.