This is going to be more of an attack on Steve Pederson. But - Was Todd Graham the right choice? Hell no! He was the choice Pederson rammed down the throats of fans, what’s left of the team, and alumni, many of whom want Pederson fired yesterday, myself included.

Pederson was quiet about Wannstedt’s firing and even more bizarre, the hiring of Mike Haywood and subsequent firing of Mike Haywood. After a long and noticeable silence later we learn that Pederson used a search firm and eliminated all coordinators from all schools. Why? Answer is still a mystery. Then Pederson announces his new search to include coordinators. Joe Paterno says his D-coordinator, Tom Bradley, would make a great coach at Pitt. Joe Paterno’s word in football was like John Wooden’s in basketball - golden. And having been through the bizarre and mysterious process of Haywood… So where was Bradley on Pederson’s radar? Another unknown that’s more likely to make it as a show on Unsolved History. Pederson isn’t talking or maybe waiting to hear from his PR firm on what to say.

All I know is Pitt could have and should have hired Tom Bradley from Penn State. He opens the door to Penn State. He is known to be a good recruiter. He’s a Pennsylvania guy. If successful at Pitt, it was more unlikely he’d leave than Graham. Graham is known to chase dollars, meaning even if he is successful, he will quit for more cash elsewhere. Where was that on Pederson’s interview process? And Pitt is known not to pay top dollar for top coaching talent. But Bradley was allegedly asking less than Graham got for beating Bowling Green. Wannstedt made $1 million, Graham gets $2 million, and Bradley was probably between the two, but who knows.

Relationships at high schools? What a load of rubbish! Let’s wait and see what? First, as of yesterday Rivals.com lists Pitt with 6 recruits for next season. And they’ve lost 18 since Wannstedt was fired. Now add the early departures for the NFL, the transfers to other schools and what’s left? Bradley may have been able to stop the hemorrhage since he’s more local and known decent recruiter. Graham is an unknown. Second, I have NEVER read that so & so went to the University of Where-Ever because his high school coach liked the recruiter. And if there were something to meaningful relationships with high school coaches, then Bradley wins again. He’s been recruiting in PA, NJ, Ohio, etc. for Paterno so he already has those “meaninful” relationships. Graham has nothing here.

And here’s something no one else has mentioned. Bradley has coached in the Big 10 whereas Graham is a MAC coach. I’ll take a good assistant/coordinator in the Big 10 under Joe Paterno any day of any week of any year over any MAC head coach who has ever lived.

It was a no brainer, but apparently Pederson has no brain. He does not give a hoot what anyone thinks, except perhaps, Mark A. Nordenberg, his boss. Pederson is a spineless weasel, which is EXACTLY what Pitt does not need. Either he quits or gets fired. He is not trustworthy and not responsive to the media nor alumni. Either way, he needs to go NOW! And if it were up to me, I’d ask Wannstedt to be the next Pitt AD.

Call Mark Nordenberg’s office: 412-624-4200 - I did to express my disgust with Pederson. Put your mouth where your mouth is.

Does that answer your question?