Panther Hollow: Chryst Excited For Return To Sideline
PITTSBURGH (93-7 THE FAN) -- New head coach Paul Chryst brings a respectable resume to Pitt, but the last time he was actually down on the field to coach a regular season football game, it was for a team that doesn't exist anymore.
So despite the daunting task of moving to a new city and developing trust with a new group of players, his eagerness for Saturday's season opener against visiting Youngstown State is understandable.
"I think the word I'd use is 'energizing,'" said Chryst, a 1992 assistant coach with the San Antonio Riders of the defunct World League, when asked about the off-season journey that brought him from Madison to Pittsburgh. "This process is just another phase of this season, but all of that is what you get into coaching for: working with guys, teaching them, and going through experiences."
While a number of his players, particularly the newcomers, obviously have to keep their nerves in check for that first game, Chryst admits it's something that enters into the minds of he and his staff as well.
"Everyone wants to perform as best they can, and those are a part of it. When I see my own kids play, I want to see them play well, and you feel the same thing with your players. That's part of that adrenaline, and part of the experience," he added.
Chryst also briefly touched on the health of his team entering Saturday's game, and, among other things, how the coaching staff will handle play-calling duties.
Check out the rest of what he had to say during his press briefing on the South Side:
Kickoff between the Panthers and YSU is set for 6:00, with "Panther Preview," featuring Jeff Hathhorn, beginning at 3:00 Saturday, on your flagship home for Pitt football, SportsRadio 93.7 The Fan.
(Follow me on Twitter @mpopchock.)
