University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Coach Todd Graham Discusses 2011 Season with Fans
3/6/2011 12:00:00 AM | Football
March 6, 2011
The Pitt Athletic Department hosted “Let’s Talk Football with Coach Graham” today at the Petersen Events Center, giving Pitt football season ticket holders their first chance to see and hear the new Pitt coaching staff break down film and discuss the upcoming season.
Head Coach Todd Graham spoke about building the Pitt program on old-fashioned, core values, which include trust, focus, leadership and tremendous attitude.
“We’re not trying to be like anyone else in the country,” Graham said at the beginning of the presentation. “We’re trying to be the one. We’re trying to be the best.”
Graham, who led Tulsa to three 10-win campaigns over the last four years, talked about Pitt’s dedication to being aggressive, fast, powerful and efficient on both sides of the ball. A major theme was playing mistake-free, penalty-free football and being disciplined in all three facets of the game. Graham’s offenses at Tulsa have been among the most productive and explosive in the country. The Golden Hurricane averaged nearly 83 plays per game while leading the nation in total offense twice, and ranked in the top-five of that category three times.
At the start of the event, Graham introduced all nine of his assistant coaches to the crowd, including Tony Dews (tight ends), Todd Dodge (quarterbacks), Tony Gibson (cornerbacks; recruiting coordinator), Spencer Leftwich (offensive line), Calvin Magee (assistant head coach; co-offensive coordinator; running backs), Randall McCray (safeties; special teams coordinator), Mike Norvell (co-offensive coordinator; wide receivers; director of recruiting), Keith Patterson (defensive coordinator; linebackers) and Paul Randolph (executive associate head coach; co-defensive coordinator; defensive line).
Along with Graham, several assistant coaches spoke and broke down their specific duties and what they are looking for out of each particular position. The topics ranged from the quarterback position to the philosophy on fielding punts.
Pitt will play a record eight games at Heinz Field this year. The Panthers’ 12-game regular-season slate will feature eight teams that advanced to Bowls last year. Season-ticket packages are currently on sale for as low as $116 and can be purchased at www.pittsburghpanthers.com or by calling (800/643-PITT). Tickets can also be purchased in-person at the Petersen Events Center ticket office.
The Panthers begin spring drills on March 15 and will host the annual Blue-Gold Game at Heinz Field on April 16.