BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) – Pittsburgh players say they will be playing for Dave Wannstedt even though he will be far away when the Panthers face Kentucky on Saturday in the BBVA Compass Bowl.
Wannstedt resigned Dec. 8 under pressure following a disappointing 7-5 season that included lopsided losses to Miami and rival West Virginia. The forced resignation came less than a year after Wannstedt, the former Chicago Bears coach, signed an extension through 2014.
The announcement of Wannstedt’s resignation was only the start to a tumultuous month. Pitt hired Miami (Ohio) coach Mike Haywood on Dec. 16, then fired Haywood less than three weeks later after he was jailed in Indiana on a domestic violence charge.
Wannstedt initially planned to coach the team in the bowl, but changed his mind to avoid being a distraction. Defensive coordinator Phil Bennett is serving as Pitt’s acting head coach for the game as the renewed search for Wannstedt’s replacement continues.
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