The Pitt News sports blog had a fine liveblog of Dave Wannstedt’s press conference to announce “The Decision.” Er, no, that’s been done.

Here are some of the highlights:

“I am a Pitt guy. I am a Pittsburgh guy. I always have been and I always will be,” he said, his voice rising. “There have been a lot of coaches before me and there will be a lot of coaches here after me, but I can assure you . . .none of them will love Pitt as much as I have.”

I believe that, but it sure looks like his own personal pride came before Pitt in the past couple weeks.

Wannstedt said he is “proud” of how the players have handled themselves. “The focus should be on the players and how they’re playing. It should not be on their coach, who will not be coaching.”

“My loyalty to these players is to allow them to enjoy playing and to be the main focus of attention. It would be unfair for any part of their experience to be about the Pitt coach,” he said.

Wannstedt said the players will represent Pitt without him at the bowl game. “This is not the way I envisioned passing the torch, but I want you to know that I do so with the greatest appreciation for all that the University of Pittsburgh has done for me and my family.”

He also says he hasn’t made up his mind about the future. Will he stay at Pitt in another position. Maybe. Maybe not. Guess he’s not done keeping Pitt’s athletic department in the dark.

When asked why it took him so long to decide whether to coach the bowl game, Wannstedt said, “It didn’t, I just wasn’t going to tell you guys.”

Apparently “you guys,” also included the players, other coaches and Pitt’s administration.

Jabaal Sheard is out for the Apathy Bowl due to surgery on his elbow. Guess that means we get to see the future at DE now.

Phil Bennett is going to be the interim coach and will speak to the media around 5pm today.

AD Pederson was there, but did not speak. He did have a statement issued, however.

During a series of discussions leading up to today, Dave made indications it wasn’t likely that he would coach the bowl game. We did not know, however, whether his position would change once he began working with the team again and gave him the liberty to have the time to make a final decision. In anticipation of this decision, we talked with Phil Bennett about leading the program as the acting head coach for this bowl game. Phil Bennett has been a head coach, is respected by the players and staff, and will do a fine job leading the Pitt football team in Birmingham. We are fortunate to have someone with Phil’s talents available to assume this role.

Good luck in this one game Phil. Man, you are going to need it.