PITT'S WANNSTEDT RECEIVES EXTENSION THROUGH 2012
12/1/2007 12:00:00 AM | Football
Dec. 1, 2007
PITTSBURGH--University of Pittsburgh head football coach Dave Wannstedt has received a contract extension through the 2012 season. Wannstedt, the Panthers' coach since 2005, had three years added to his current pact.
"When Dave Wannstedt became our head football coach, less than three years ago, it was our shared goal to build a football program grounded in appropriate values and structured for sustainable, long-term success," Chancellor Mark Nordenberg said. "Though everyone who cares about Pitt football wishes that this season had produced more victories on the field, clear signs of progress can be seen in this young, talented and clearly committed team. Formalizing a contract extension for Coach Wannstedt never was viewed as an urgent matter, either by him or by the University, because the three principals involved - Coach Wannstedt, Interim Athletic Director Donna Sanft and me - all agreed that we were going to make this happen. It is good, though, that the papers now have been signed, so that contract issues do not loom even as a potential distraction and Coach Wannstedt is even better positioned to continue building an ever stronger program."
"The day I accepted the head coaching position at the University of Pittsburgh, I said that our goal was to firmly place Pitt among the very best programs in the country," said Wannstedt, who was named head coach of his alma mater in December 2004. "That goal has not changed and I believe now more than ever that we are doing all the necessary things to reach that level. We are fortunate to have a great leadership team at Pitt that supports our football program's aspirations. Together we are building something very special that our university, city and region will be proud of."
"My relationship with Dave dates back to my initial arrival at Pitt 11 years ago," said Athletic Director Steve Pederson. "I know that he is passionately committed to the University of Pittsburgh and its football program. We are going to work very hard and do everything we can to help him and our program achieve at the highest levels. I couldn't be more excited about our future and what we can accomplish working together."
--30--