The 1979 Pittsburgh Panthers football team represented the University of Pittsburgh as an independent during the 1979 NCAA Division I-A football season. The Panthers competed in the Fiesta Bowl and were awarded the Lambert-Meadowlands Trophy as the champion of the East.
Schedule In the Backyard Brawl, Pittsburgh was led by true freshman quarterback Dan Marino, making his second collegiate start. He directed Pitt to a 24–17 victory in the last college football game played at old Mountaineer Field.
Roster
Coaching staff 1979 Pittsburgh Panthers football staff Coaching staff Jackie Sherrill – Head coach Jimmy Sharpe – Assistant head coach/offensive line Wally English – Offensive coordinator/Receivers Foge Fazio – Defensive coordinator/linebackers Ron Dickerson – Defensive backs Bob Matey – Defensive line Joe Moore – Offensive backs Joe Pendry – Quarterbacks Ray Zingler – Defensive ends Support staff Alex Kramer – Executive Assistant Kevin Dickey – Recruiting coordinator Nick Gasparato – Graduate assistant Jerry Leith – Graduate assistant Nick Rapone – Graduate assistant Strength and conditioning staff Paul Stark – Weight, Strength Coach
Team players drafted into the NFL Player Position Round Pick NFL club Jo Jo Heath Defensive back 6 141 Cincinnati BengalsBob Gruber Tackle10 276 Los Angeles Rams
References