Libertarian Librarian

Last week, Peter King of Sports Illustrated opined that he felt sorry for Dave Wannstedt. For the life of me, I couldn't figure out why-- and I still can't. The man has a great job, that most folks who enjoy football would love to have, despite the fact that he has repeatedly proven he is incapable of fulfilling that job's responsibilities.

To whit: Wannstedt was hired to coach the Chicago Bears in 1993. He compiles a glowing 41-57 record in six seasons before being fired. For reasons unknown, and quite likely unknowable, the Miami Dolphins hire Wannstedt as an assistant head coach in 1999 and then elevate him to the head coach position in 2000 when Jimmy Johnson retires. 11-5 in his first and second year, Wannstedt's Dolphins trend steadily downward from there, concluding with Wannstedt's resignation after a 1-8 start in 2004.

A record that, naturally, means he's qualified to be head coach at a major NCAA football program. And so he came to Pittsburgh in 2005, where he has compiled a glowing 0-3 record despite a pre-season ranking in the top-25. This Saturday, Pitt lost to Nebraska 7-6. Now, in years gone by, losing to Nebraska by one would not be considered a bad result, but these Cornhuskers are not your grandfather's Cornhuskers-- they are a middle of the pack Big 12 team.

So, after three weeks as the head coach of a major NCAA football program-- one that was ranked in the top 25 preseason poll-- Dave Wannstedt is 0-3, having lost to Nortre Dame, Ohio (not Ohio State-- Ohio University) and Nebraska. Which leads me to suspect that some Pitt alumni will contacting this guy soon.

Labels: Sports