 Wannstedt's return to his alma mater was marked by a return to the use of the wordmark "Pitt" as a logo, including its display on the football helmets.Known for his prowess in college recruiting when an assistant to Jimmy Johnson, Wannstedt reeled in classes that were nationally ranked throughout his tenure at Pitt.However, little improvement was seen at first in the record column as Pitt struggled with a 5–6 and 6–6 record in his first two seasons.