Paul Chryst is in between a rock and a hard place right now. Or, more specifically, a Panther and a Badger.
With state law preventing Wisconsin from making a formal offer until Wednesday, Chryst is still carrying out his duties as Pittsburgh’s head coach. On Monday, that included flying to Fort Worth, Texas, to participate in a press conference promoting the Armed Forces Bowl. (Considering the Panthers’ opponent is Houston, it’s very possible this game could be dubbed the Interim Bowl by the time the Jan. 3 kickoff arrives.)
Chryst has drawn praise for his handling of a prolonged, awkward situation from Pittsburgh athletics director Steve Pederson, and took much the same approach on Monday.Chryst today in Ft Worth: “I told them that I received a call. I talked to them and right now, I’m excited to be back with (Pitt).”
— Will Graves (@WillGravesAP) December 15, 2014
Chryst: “I was told nothing will happen before (Wed). I don’t know and I don’t know what (Wisc.) thinking specifically.”
— Will Graves (@WillGravesAP) December 15, 2014
Chryst said he had to catch a plane after appearance, stressed it was back to Pittsburgh. “I feel really fortunate to be at Pitt .”
— Will Graves (@WillGravesAP) December 15, 2014
Chryst said he was honest with recruits/team, says players understand ties to Wisc. Again, he declined to say he was sticking long-term
— Will Graves (@WillGravesAP) December 15, 2014
With Pittsburgh fighting to keep him and his hometown Badgers calling, Chryst likely has a countdown clock on his phone until 12:00:01 a.m. Madison, Wisc., time on Wednesday, but either way he figures to parlay this little predicament into a raise.
But, for now, Chryst remains Pittsburgh’s head coach - until he’s not.