Mooney graduate Pelini says he has no plans to leave Oklahoma
NORMAN, Okla. (AP) -- Oklahoma co-defensive coordinator Bo Pelini, who has emerged as a candidate for the coaching job at Pitt, says his mind is on the Orange Bowl and not new jobs.
"I'm not going anywhere," Pelini told reporters after practice Thursday night. "I'll be on the sideline coaching against USC. I don't deal with hypotheticals."
The Sooners face the Southern Cal Trojans in the national championship on Jan. 4.
Pelini, a graduate of Cardinal Mooney High, did not say what he would do if Pitt wanted to interview him or offered him the job.
Former Miami Dolphins and Chicago Bears coach Dave Wannstedt decided Thursday not to seek the coaching job at Pitt, the school where he played and once was an assistant coach.
Wannstedt, who resigned as the Dolphins' coach Nov. 9 after a 1-8 start, was believed to be the front-runner to succeed Walt Harris at Pitt.
Pittsburgh athletic director Jeff Long was expected to interview at least three candidates.
Houston Texans assistant Jon Hoke and Pelini were expected to talk with Long, while Pitt defensive coordinator Paul Rhoads also was interested in the job.
Pelini is a former assistant coach with the 49ers, Patriots and Packers and was a Nebraska assistant last year before moving to Oklahoma, where Long was the senior associate AD before being hired by Pitt in May 2003.
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