So Wisconsin has a press conference set for 6pm Central Time (7pm for those of us in the East) this evening.
Bastards. Just happens to be the same time Pitt tips against Manhattan, and I would always rather be focused on an actual game than all the other stuff.
On the bright side, there is no surprise at this point. No abrupt departure or hastily arranged press conferences. This has been the week-long build since Gary Andersen stunned Badgers everywhere by making the move to Oregon State.
This is Paul Chryst’s dream job. It’s his alma mater. It’s his home. It’s working for the guy he reveres. I don’t have ill will to Chyrst. And it simply makes the most sense for Wisconsin AD Barry Alvarez to hire Chryst.
Wisconsin isn’t used to coaching instability. They may be amateurs compared to Pitt, but the last few years have still been jarring. Chryst, if nothing else, brings a sense of calm to their coaching turnover.
For Alvarez, this is a no-brainer. Not because Chryst is a sure thing. Not because of bringing stability. But because Chryst will put up with Alvarez’s ego for long enough.
Bret Bielema got fed up with Wisconsin for many things. One of those things included not being given as much credit for what he was accomplishing. Alvarez actually diminished his own coach’s accomplishments during Bielema’s tenure by saying that all Wisconsin was doing was running the same system that he established as the Wisconsin coach.
Among the reasons for Andersen’s surprising move to Corvallis were whispers of meddling and credit grabbing by Alvarez.
Coaches have egos. Big egos. Even Chryst. But his personality probably meshes and handles Alvarez better than anyone else. He doesn’t just “fit” for Wisconsin. He fits for working for Alvarez.
As for Pitt, the feelers have been sent out. Feelers by others sent in. Greg Schiano has been talked to. Just as Wisconsin talked to him.
Schiano is easy to talk to. He’s not under contract to anyone else, and the other reason it is known that he has been in talks is because it is in the Schiano camp’s interest to make sure others know there is interest in him.
For coaches presently with other schools, it has been the back channel approach. Pitt will do things reasonably up front — which means notifying other schools if they are or want to speak to a coach in their employ, now that Chryst is gone.
This is where some patience is required. Pitt will not have a new coach in place before the weekend. There is no slam dunk or no-brainer candidate for Pitt. No matter who your own personal favorite or perceived best guy is.
There will be more than one candidate formally interviewed. There will be negotiations. There will be the required board vote to approve a contract. It is going to take more than 48 hours.
It means dealing with rumors. It means the potential of names coming into play and dropping out. It means some coaches can and will try to use Pitt as leverage at their own job or against another potential suitor for more money, control or extras.
It is all the things that are obvious and apparent when looking at some other program’s coaching search. Yet hard to see when it is our own.
That does not make the coaching search a dumpster fire. At least not yet. Give it a little time before declaring a disaster.
Word is that he will be filling the AD spot first (which is what exactly one of us has been advocating) then hiring a football coach.
So congrats to all Pitt fans for this great new opportunity!
Hail to Pitt!
This plays right into what we thought was happening. Can guarantee Schiano was one that said not interested with Pederson in charge.
Could he really have been that stupid to think he had a chance with Chryst? Dumbass!
In a statement released by Pitt, they cite blatherites as main reason for canning the douche!
If i am right…then…i am in love with our new chancellor. Good for him!
here is a copy of the press release.
Rudolph is interim coach as well.
Fraud was heard to say in a loud and giddy voice, “Penni we can now go back to the Burgh and I can resume my dream job”.
A big name head coach would be crazy to come into a situation where you don’t know the name of your boss yet. Just saying guys…
This is just the best news I think we could have heard today. Neidermeyer….dead; Pederson….dead! Thank you to the Chancellor. You do care about us blatherites!
New SOP – Steve Out (with House) Peterson
Taking off the last 5 days from the Blather – Priceless
I will continue to say he was a class act.
He did us well.
We are MUCH better off today then we were before he came here.
Now let’s see what the new leadership can do with it.
And I am fine with Rudolph for a few years as new team is put in place… then either he gets it done which is fine, or he moves on.
fIRED….IS NOT MUTUAL. HAHA
he wasn’t given the ‘resignation’ bs.
he was flat out FIRED. wHICH WAS LONG OVERDUE.
H2P!!
Gallagher was a fairly high ranking official within the Fed. gov’t. You get there by being decisive, knowing how to scratch a few backs while at the same time watching your own. If this is glimmer of things to come, I think the University will be in fine shape for many years to come.
Today begins a new chapter in Pitt history.
Hail to Pitt!
Do what you need to brother!
Hail To Pitt!!!!!!
Rudolph as interim HC for the bowl game is the right call for now.
Former HCPC – we thank you if you had anything to do with our former AD’s firing. If not, then thanks for Conner & Boyd – first team to 10 next year, wins – lol
Can’t see how this thing can be rushed.
In the presser… Pitt Admin were extremely complimentary of Rudolph.
I’m sure he got a nice little bonus to coach the bowl game and to stick around for awhile. You don’t want him heading for the hills too soon. I’m sure he will receive x $$$ to stick around until Y date or until he is released from his contract/ new coach is named.
Wow.
Let me repeat.
WOW.
That statement just speaks volumes to me. SP i dont know u but that is the statement of a completely self centered, egotistical jerk. Good riddance.
Triple Yoi and spread some chicken on the hill!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Golden lights on top of the Drunken Compass (Cathedral of Learning)
Light up the Gulf tower – Hoist the Jolly Roger – wave the Towel!!!
Whatever –
what a joyous night!
The bear costume was hilarious – but no longer needed!!!!!
HAIL TO PITT
Whatever it takes….you know !
H2P
VeV
We were right about Pederson being out after Gallagher was the one talking to PC last week. Now someone needs to investigate that backroom 5 year extension his pal Nordy drew up before departing.
If new AD just hires Rudolph then they hired the wrong AD.
This is chance to really shake things up…blow it up and start from scratch.
Hail to Pitt!
