Pitt Hires Chryst as New Head Football Coach
By: K.C. Kantz
Updated: February 12, 2012
PITTSBURGH-- Paul Chryst, the highly accomplished offensive coordinator of the Rose Bowl-bound Wisconsin Badgers, has been named the new head football coach at the University of Pittsburgh by Athletic Director Steve Pederson. Chryst's formal introduction will take place at a 3 p.m. press conference today at the Panthers' practice facility.
The 46-year-old Chryst takes over at Pitt following an exceptional eight-year tenure at Wisconsin (2002, 2005-11) where he gained acclaim as one of college football's finest offensive teachers and strategists. The Badgers have compiled a 60-18 record (.769) during his six seasons overseeing the offense, which annually ranks among the nation's most prolific and efficient units.
In 2011, Chryst helped Wisconsin to an 11-2 record and its second consecutive Big Ten title and Rose Bowl berth. The Badgers are averaging 44.6 points and 466.9 yards per game entering their Pasadena showdown with Oregon on January 2.
Over the past three seasons (2009-11), Wisconsin boasts the Big Ten's best record (32-7, .821) while being fueled by an offense that has averaged 39.3 points per game during that span. Chryst, who also coaches quarterbacks, has been named a finalist for the prestigious Broyles Award, annually presented to college football's top assistant, each of the past two seasons.
His 23-year coaching career includes 16 seasons on the collegiate level and seven years in the professional ranks.
"We are extremely pleased to welcome Coach Chryst and his family to Pittsburgh," Pederson said. "His remarkable success at Wisconsin is well documented in the form of Big Ten championships and All-America performances. But beyond his achievements on the football field, we believed it was important to find a leader who gets the very best from his players while also developing the kind of culture that fits the University of Pittsburgh. Paul Chryst is that leader and we are anxious for our players and fans to get to know him in the coming days and years."
--University of Pittsburgh Athletics--
