Paul Chryst Issues Statement on Commitment to Pitt

Well, this will probably dampen the spirits of some Badgers fans tonight. Pitt just released this statement from head coach Paul Chryst:

"I understand the speculation surrounding my name given today's developments. I am committed to the Pitt football program and the University of Pittsburgh. I am focusing all my time and energy on our team's bowl game preparation and recruiting a great group of young men to join our program and this outstanding university. We are working hard every day to re-establish this program and I am excited about the future of Pitt football."

For now, that should quell the rumors of Chryst, WIsconsin's offensive coordinator from 2005-11, returning to Madison after head coach Bret Bielema stunningly left for the same position at Arkansas. Nevertheless, any college football fan has witnessed the fickle nature of such commitments before things are really official (are they ever?). Our friends over at Cardiac Hill, SB Nation's Pitt blog, sure aren't completely buying into Chryst's statement.

Seriously, Paul Chryst's statement says nothing about not leaving Pitt. Read between the lines - there's no definition of there...

— Cardiac Hill (@PittPantherBlog) December 5, 2012

Chryst statement only says what so many others over the years have said - he's committed ... for now. Means little in my mind. #Pitt

— Cardiac Hill (@PittPantherBlog) December 5, 2012