Editorial: Wannstedt makes a good call

It’s hard to argue with a standing ovation.

Since the Pitt football team chose to give head… It’s hard to argue with a standing ovation.

Since the Pitt football team chose to give head coach Dave Wannstedt one last night when he announced his resignation, it’s clear Wannstedt was no minor blip in Panther football history. In fact, most of his time at the helm was a spot of light among two decades of mediocrity — he won’t be remembered just for his mustache.

In more ways than one, he was a great face for the program. Whereas past coaches couldn’t mesh as well with the team, Wannstedt clearly commanded the respect of the players and enthusiastically engaged with the press. And who could forget the Backyard Brawl on Dec. 1, 2007, the day when unranked Pitt knocked No. 2 West Virginia out of its assured BCS Championship Game by beating it 13-9.

But given his record over the past six years, it’s also hard to argue with Wannstedt’s decision to step down. It’s time to move on.

Sure, the Panthers’ disappointing past season can be traced to many factors, but in the end someone must be held accountable. Especially considering the potential the last two years presented, Wannstedt fumbled the opportunity, consistently losing the chance to get Pitt into a BCS bowl. Heading a football team that was once picked to stomp all over the Big East, Wannstedt lost all five of this season’s important games, and he did it all on national television.

The issues with Wannstedt were more specific, too. When situations allowed him to take risks, he was too conservative. Worse still, he was predictable in his conservatism — on third and 10, he’d pass the ball one yard instead of trying something more daring. And even though Pitt offers prospective players a top-notch professional stadium to play in, Wannstedt still had difficulty recruiting cohesive, talented teams.

As Wannstedt transitions into a different position within the athletic department, who will take his coaching job? As they make their choice, the chancellor and athletic director should look for a collegiate coach, someone carrying a history of success and someone who’s gutsy enough to go deep on third down. And most importantly, it should be a coach who can finally bring Pitt to a Big East Championship game, preferably next year before No. 3 Texas Christian University enters the conference in 2012 and changes the playing field.

If you disagree with us, you might find it appealing to express your support for Coach Wannstedt by growing a mustache.