The public and awkward tango Paul Chryst, Wisconsin and Pittsburgh have been dancing -- made all the more uncomfortable after the music stopped playing last week and left them in the middle of the circle -- looks to be over.
Chryst appears set to be named as the Badgers’ next coach, according to Benjamin Worgull of BadgerNation.com.
The Madison, Wisconsin, native and former Badgers player and assistant was the focus of Badgers athletic director Barry Alvarez’s search and was identified as the likely successor to Gary Andersen a week ago. However, Wisconsin state law prevents Alvarez from making a hire until Wednesday, which left Chryst and Pittsburgh in limbo for the last few days.
Considering how the situation has played out, Chryst leaving for Wisconsin is best for all parties. His desire was to go to Wisconsin, and, with all of his ties to the university, it’s hard to blame Chryst for wanting to return. Chryst seemed to handle the situation with class, fulfilling his duties as Pitt’s coach as best he could, conducting bowl practices and recruiting visits. Reports suggest Chryst was upfront with administration and his players over the last few days about his interest in the Wisconsin job.
Pitt was in a tough situation, too, knowing it needed a resolution but also aware it would be unwise to unload Chryst financially. There is no concrete figure being reported, but it is likely Chryst has a buyout that will be owed to Pitt now that it’s only a matter of some red tape before becoming Wisconsin coach.
The Panthers were 19-19 under Chryst and underachieved in 2014, but he laid a foundation during his three years. Offensively, the new staff will inherit running back James Conner and receiver Tyler Boyd, who are two of the best players at their position in the country. Both were named to the ESPN.com All-ACC team last week. The offensive line will also return three starters that average 6-foot-5 and 313 pounds.
Colleague Travis Haney offered up a few names that Pitt AD Steve Pedersen could call upon for an interview, and Pedersen has been proactive despite Chryst still not officially being named Wisconsin’s coach. Sam Werner of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports Pitt has contacted former Rutgers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Greg Schiano.
Hopefully, the new Pitt coach can hit the ground running and bring some stability to a program that has had a revolving door at coach since the end of the 2010 season. With the right hire, Pitt can possibly make a run at the Coastal Division crown in 2015 as the schedule is far from daunting. The Panthers avoid Florida State and Clemson, instead getting Syracuse and Virginia (and Louisville) from the Atlantic. Syracuse and Virginia failed to reach bowl eligibility this fall.
Here’s a few more links for your Wednesday.
Florida State defensive tackle Nile Lawrence-Stample could return for the Rose Bowl. It was thought the senior's season was over in September after suffering a torn pectoral.
North Carolina senior safety Tim Scott said the defense practiced lazy all season, and that several players learned of defensive coordinator Vic Koenning's departure on Twitter.
UNC coach Larry Fedora said he is not married to the 4-2-5 defense.
Syracuse athletic director Daryl Gross is entering his 10th year, and here's a look at his impact on the football program.
Eli Harold, who left Virginia early for the NFL, wrestled with the decision, his high school coach said.
Miami could be ending its relationship with Nike in favor of a deal with adidas or Under Armour.
Clemson QB Cole Stoudt, who has bounced between a starting role and the bench this season, has a final chance at redemption in the bowl game with Deshaun Watson opting for ACL surgery.
Louisville quarterback Reggie Bonnafon's knee is improving but coach Bobby Petrino is still unsure whether Bonnafon or Kyle Bolin will start against Georgia.