The scene outside of DAVE WANNSTEDT's office windows in the Pitt football practice facility provides a view that is uniquely Pittsburgh and totally fitting for the Panthers' head coach.
The immediate view is to the east, where in the foreground the Panthers' lush grass practice fields capture the eye.
Just beyond the green fields sit steel mills, a reminder of the city's industrial heritage and, for decades, the economic lifeblood of the region.
A gaze back to the west and one can soak in Pittsburgh's breathtaking skyline. The skyscrapers now symbolize the "new Pittsburgh," the former steel city that has evolved into a thriving center for corporations, medicine and higher education.
Although he spent most of the last 25 years residing outside of Pittsburgh, these views still remain familiar and comforting for Wannstedt.
He, too, once worked during the summers in the mills that inhabited a stretch of land located off Pittsburgh's Second Avenue. Wannstedt would labor along side his father, Frank, and then head to old Pitt Stadium to pump a different kind of iron in the Panthers' weight room in preparation for the upcoming season.
Each of these scenes -- the football fields, steel mills and the city -- are embedded in Wannstedt. "Pittsburgh never really left me," he said. "It's always been a special place in my heart."
That is why, more than three decades after captaining the Panthers' 1973 Fiesta Bowl team, Wannstedt was the perfect choice to lead the University of Pittsburgh's football program. He was named Pitt's head coach by Athletic Director Jeff Long on December 23, 2004.
A rugged offensive tackle for the Panthers from 1970-73, Wannstedt returned to his alma mater with 30 years of coaching experience on the collegiate level and in the National Football League. His career has produced three championship rings, including a Super Bowl title and two national collegiate championships. Click here to read more...
Additional Staff
Brian Angelichio - Tight Ends
Mike Antonoplos - Assistant Director of Football Operations
Phil Bennett - Defensive Coordinator
Rob Blanc - Head Athletic Trainer
Chad Bogard - Video Coordinator
Bryan Bossard - Wide Receivers
Frank Cignetti, Jr. - Offensive Coordinator / Quarterbacks Coach
Tim Enright - Equipment Manager
Greg Gattuso - Assistant Head Coach / Defensive Line
Jeff Hafley - Defensive Backs
Bob Junko - Director of Football Relations / Program Enhancement
Chris LaSala - Assistant Athletic Director of Football Operations / Camp Coordinator
Buddy Morris - Head Strength and Conditioning Coach
James Smith - Assistant Strength Coach
Joe Tumpkin - Linebackers
Scott Turner - Offensive Assistant
David Walker - Running Backs
Tony Wise - Offensive Line
Dave Wannstedt Football Camp - University of Pittsburgh
Camp Staff 