Dave Wannstedt succeeded Jimmie Johnson as the Miami Dolphins head coach in 2000. In his first year as the head coach, he took the Dolphins to a 11-5 record and win the AFC East title for the first time since 1994. Result in the playoffs? 27-0 loss to the Oakland Raiders.
2nd time around was similar. In the 2001 season the Dolphins managed another 11-5 record and another embarrassment in the playoffs. This time a 20-3 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
3rd season: The Fins didn't win 11 games this time but still were able to go 9-7. The Dolphins needed just one more win to clinch a playoff spot, but they blew an 11 point against the New England Patriots and cost them by not going to the postseason for the 3rd straight year.
Now the 4th season was hell from the start. Star player, Ricky Williams, who Wannstedt traded two draft picks for him, retired out of nowhere. Key players were injured and the Dolphins won 1 out of their first 9 games. Wannstedt resigned in the middle of the season.
In December 23, 2004, University of Pittsburgh named Wannstedt as the head coach of the team.
The first three years were tough for the Panthers, finishing .500 only once.
In 2008, the Panthers went on a roll with a 9-4 record, but a lost in a bowl game. Even though they lost, it was a sign of a new beginning in Pittsburgh.
This season, the Panthers started 3-0, but lost a game against NC State in the fourth quarter. Wannstedt's team went on to win the next 5 games and are now 8-1(currently winning, 20-7, vs Notre Dame)
If the Panthers continue the streak, they will have a chance to win the Big East title if they are able to upset the undefeated Cincinnati Bearcats in the last game of the season. Does anyone smell Oranges in Miami?
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