Official: Kevin Stallings Accepts Pitt Head Coach Offer
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The University of Pittsburgh officially announced Sunday afternoon that the vacant men's basketball head coach position would be filled by former Vanderbilt University coach Kevin Stallings.
Speculation about Stallings' appointment grew Saturday night and Sunday morning, and Pitt athletic director Scott Barnes confirmed the rumors in a release Sunday afternoon.
"Coach Stallings and I share the same vision for Pitt -- playing in the Final Four," Barnes said in the release. "Kevin has a successful track record recruiting the ACC footprint and beyond, and is one of the best coaches in the country at building an offense around his talent. He plays a fun up-tempo style that players love and fans will enjoy. Kevin runs his program with impeccable character and has a high care factor and connection with his student-athletes. He is a Power Five conference coach whose experience and success will be immediate assets for our program."
The search for a new coach began Monday when former head coach Jamie Dixon announced that he had taken a position at his alma mater, Texas Christian University.
Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter
Stallings transfers to Pitt after spending 17 years at Vanderbilt with an overall 332-220 record.
"I am extremely excited to join the University of Pittsburgh family," Stallings said in the release. "Pitt has a tremendous basketball tradition and I am looking forward to building on the excellent foundation that is in place on the court and in the classroom. The city of Pittsburgh is outstanding and I have a great deal of respect for the people that make it such a special place. I look forward to seeing their support along with that of the Oakland Zoo next season at the Petersen Events Center."
Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports joined Rob Rossi on 93.7 The Fan Sunday morning to discuss the speculation before the official announcement was made.