There’s been some noticing that Coach Harris’ tenure at Pitt is just about over. Maybe I’m reading too much into it, but it seems like there is some sense of bewilderment over the turning on Harris. From Stewart Mandel at SI.com:

PITTSBURGH: Eighth-year Panthers head coach Walt Harris has been the subject of unrelenting criticism from the local media this week following Pittsburgh’s 29-17 loss at Connecticut. He’s taking particular heat for his decision to have QB Tyler Palko down the ball on third and goal at the Huskies’ 12 late in the first half and settle for a field goal. There have already been several articles calling for his head, and one columnist — assuming Harris’ firing to be inevitable — went as far as to write a column analyzing potential replacements. “To be honest, I haven’t been on top on the criticism because I don’t read the papers, I don’t listen to sports radio,” said Harris, “so I am naive or ignorant about what you guys are saying.” Harris has led the Panthers to three straight bowl games, but last year’s 8-5 finish, after starting the season in the top 15, was considered a disappointment, and this season is shaping up to be a rebuilding year.

I find this somewhat surprising since Mandel was one of the few to note back in August that Harris was on the hot seat. (I can’t believe I really believed only a couple months ago that Harris might get another year with a 5-6 record, in my after the fact defense of that, I guess I presumed there would be signs of improvement in the team and recruiting.)

Meanwhile Tom McShay of Scouts, Inc., via ESPN.com (insider subs. req’d) puts Harris in the underachieving/say good-bye group.

Things have gone from bad to worse for Harris. The team underachieved in 2003, losing three of its final four games. A home loss to Nebraska, a “near miss” against D-I AA Furman and a 12-point loss to Connecticut has turned the situation into a virtual witch-hunt. Harris will be lucky to survive the season.

The other coaches on the list include: John Bunting, UNC; Paul Pasqualoni, Syracuse; Gary Crowton, BYU; Keith Gilbertson, Washington; Ron Turner, Illinois; John Thompson, East Carolina; and Rich Brooks, Kentucky.

See, here’s the thing with the now very loud cries to fire Harris. There was rumbling/complaints about the way Harris coached by the fans after both 2001 and 02. It was muted though, because he had earned it by rebuilding the program and bringing in some great recruits. Most of that good will was spent after last season. It was his team, all his recruits, all the talent was at its peak. And the team never played up to their potential. He was given a little more slack because he did have a great recruiting class — which then went poof while Harris was no where to be found.

This was to be a rebuilding year, and what was expected (at least by me) was more like the 1997 team that wasn’t that good, but played hard and with enthusiasm. The team just improved as the season went on, and Harris was the leader. Instead, the team has played without passion, energy and doesn’t look like it’s getting any better. Harris has to take the blame and ultimately the fall.