Wisconsin AD: Paul Chryst is going to stay at Pittsburgh

Paul Chryst will not be pursued by Wisconsin, according to Badgers AD Barry Alvarez.(US Presswire)

When Bret Bielema pulled the shocker of the coaching silly season by accepting the job at Arkansas, many Wisconsin fans hoped that the Badgers would be able to lure back former offensive coordinator Paul Chryst. According to athletic director Barry Alvarez, the former Badgers offensive coordinator is not a candidate for the job.

"I wouldn't think it would be right for him to leave after one year. I wouldn't feel right, and I don't think it would be appropriate for me to hire him back after I asked someone to do me a favor and help him get that job," Alvarez said Thursday. "So Paul's going to stay at Pitt."

Chryst, currently at Pittsburgh, just finished his first season as head coach. The Panthers finished 6-6 and have accepted a bid to play in the BBVA Compass Bowl for the third straight year. For a program on its fifth coach in two years -- (Dave Wannstedt -- 12 games in 2010; Phil Bennett -- one game in 2010; Todd Graham -- 12 games in 2011; Keith Patterson -- one game in 2011; Chryst --12 games in 2012) -- Pittsburgh fans have been understandably nervous that their promising young coach might bolt to accept the vacant job at his alma mater.

In the wake of Bielema's departure, Chryst released a statement Tuesday night reaffirming his commitment to the Panthers.

"I understand the speculation surrounding my name given today's developments," Chryst said in the statement. "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."

Alvarez -- who will coach the Badgers in the Rose Bowl against Stanford -- indicated that he is not in a rush to make a hire. A few candidates have been contacted, but not much movement is expected until next week.

For all the latest on coaching changes around the country, cruise on over to the CBSSports.com Coaching Carousel.

Keep up with the latest college football news from around the country. From the opening kick of the year all the way through the offseason, CBSSports.com has you covered with this daily newsletter. View a preview.

Get CBSSports.com College Football updates on Facebook