March 30, 2010

PITTSBURGH--Citing "unmistakable progress and achievement, both on and off the field," University of Pittsburgh athletic director Steve Pederson today announced a contract extension for Pitt head football coach Dave Wannstedt. Two years were added to Wannstedt's current pact, ensuring he will remain Pitt's head coach through at least January 2015.

"Dave has done an excellent job of leading our football program," Pederson said. "We are proud of the accomplishments of our team, both on and off the field. We have always believed that when you have the right person, you should give them the time and support to accomplish all the goals they have for our program."

"I greatly appreciate the confidence that Chancellor Nordenberg, Steve Pederson and our entire administration have in what we are building and accomplishing with our football program at the University of Pittsburgh," said Wannstedt, who enters his sixth season as head coach at his alma mater (B.S. 1974, M.Ed. 1976). "While we are all proud of the strides we've made, we look forward to even greater accomplishments in the future."

The 2009 campaign was the latest example of Pitt's ascendance under his direction. Among the highlights:

On an individual level, Pitt players again were recognized among the very best in all of college football. Tight end Dorin Dickerson earned first-team All-America honors from the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), the third player in the past four seasons under Wannstedt to earn that prestigious accolade.