The University of Pittsburgh released this Walt Harris statement yesterday:

"This Thursday, Dec. 16, marks the eighth-year anniversary of my acceptance of the University of Pittsburgh's head football coaching position. On the day I took this job, I spoke to our players and university administration about bringing success, pride and excitement back to a program that had fallen on hard times. Our goal was to win both on the field and in the classroom. Eight years later I can proudly say that we were able to accomplish those goals.

On Sunday, I stood before the young men who wear the blue and gold of this university's football program. I beamed with pride looking into their faces. This city should be proud that its college football program boasts All-Americans and Academic All-Americans, future NFL players and future professional leaders. They are the first Pitt players to earn a January bowl berth in two decades. We wanted to win at Pitt, but we wanted to win the right way. We've done that and I couldn't be more gratified.

Today, I will formally accept the head coaching position at Stanford University. This is an opportunity to return to my home of California, where my passion for teaching and coaching first began. Although I'm departing, the University of Pittsburgh will always be special to me both personally and professionally.

I want to thank the university and chancellor Mark Nordenberg for giving me the opportunity to be the head coach at an outstanding world-class institution. I want to thank the loyal assistant coaches who have helped us build something special. Their commitment was unseen by most but meant the world to our efforts in restoring the pride in this program.

Most importantly, I want to thank the players we've been so blessed to coach the last eight years and especially this year's team. Their unwavering belief, dedication and work ethic are why we are the Big East champions playing in a prestigious bowl game. To these student-athletes I say thank you for your commitment to the University of Pittsburgh, its football program and me. I've never been prouder of a group of young men."