Chryst releases statement

Speculation has been flying all afternoon since it became public that Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema would be taking the Arkansas head coaching job. It only seemed logical that Paul Chryst would be at least a candidate to succeed Bielema at his alma mater. Chryst was the tight ends coach at Wisconsin in 2002, and served as the Badgers' offensive coordinator from 2005-2011. Chryst released the following statement tonight:

"I understand the speculation surrounding my name given today’s developments. I am committed to the Pitt football program and the University of Pittsburgh. I am focusing all my time and energy on our team’s bowl game preparation and recruiting a great group of young men to join our program and this outstanding university. We are working hard every day to re-establish this program and I am excited about the future of Pitt football."

Now, as Pitt fans certainly know, coaching searches can take many twists and turns, so I wouldn't call this one "over." I have heard that Wisconsin is expected to, at the very least, make a run at Chryst, so it may be up to him to tell them "No." That said, this statement is certainly better than radio silence on a day when it seems like every college coach and his mother is taking a new job.