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Pitt Has Interim Coach For Bowl Game Against SMU

BIRMINGHAM, AL (AP) - Pittsburgh quarterback Tino Sunseri says his teammates should be prepared for the team's latest coaching change.

The Panthers are playing in their second straight BBVA Compass Bowl on Saturday against SMU, and each time they've had an interim coach.

One year ago, Pittsburgh was looking to replace Dave Wannstedt. Interim coach Phil Bennett led the Panthers to a bowl win over Kentucky.

This year, Pitt already has hired Wisconsin offensive coordinator Paul Chryst to replace Todd Graham, who left for Arizona State.

Chryst is expected to be at Legion Field for Saturday's game. Defensive coordinator Keith Patterson is the interim coach.

As a twist to Saturday's game, SMU coach June Jones almost was hired by Arizona State before the school chose Graham.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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