Mark Whipple
FILE - In this file photo from Oct. 14, 2017, Pittsburgh freshman quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) plays in an NCAA college football game against North Carolina State, in Pittsburgh. The senior quarterback is looking to make the most of his decision to return for a fifth season instead of going to the NFL. Pickett was leaning toward entering the NFL draft before changing his mind last December. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File)
Pitt begins season of high expectations against UMass

By Will Graves Sep. 03, 2021 09:35 AM EDT

Eastern Michigan defensive back Kevin McGill (4) is escorted to the locker room after being disqualified during the second half of the Quick Lane Bowl NCAA college football game against Pittsburgh, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2019, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Pitt rallies to beat Eastern Michigan in Quick Lane Bowl

By Larry Lage Dec. 27, 2019 12:04 AM EST

Rutgers enters 150th season vs UMass, Ash in critical year 4

By Matt Sugam Aug. 29, 2019 12:56 PM EDT
PISCATAWAY, N.J. (AP) — Rutgers didn't book a blockbuster opponent to kick off its 150th college football season. The program known as "the birthplace...

FILE - This Aug. 2, 2019, file photo shows Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett as he passes in a drill during an NCAA college football practice in Pittsburgh. How far Pitt goes toward repeating as ACC Coastal Division champions will rely heavily on if quarterback Kenny Pickett and new offensive coordinator Mark Whipple can revive a dormant passing game. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File)
Air time? Run-heavy Pitt eyeing balance under Whipple

By Will Graves Aug. 28, 2019 05:46 PM EDT

In this photo from Aug. 2, 2019, Pittsburgh running back Todd Sibley Jr. takes a beak during an NCAA football practice in Pittsburgh. Sibley and A.J. Davis are well aware of the running back lineage at Pitt. All they have to do in their first year is find a way to replace Qadree Ollison and Darrin Hall, who each topped 1,000 yards last year for the Panthers. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
RB Who at RB U? Pitt's Davis, Sibley hope to keep tradition

By Will Graves Aug. 03, 2019 12:00 PM EDT

Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) gets off a pass as offensive guard Rashad Wheelers looks to block during their annual intrasquad Blue-Gold spring NCAA college football game, Saturday, April 13, 2019, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Pass first Pitt? Panthers believe the big play is back

By Will Graves Apr. 13, 2019 05:28 PM EDT

FILE - In this Aug. 25, 2018, file photo, Massachusetts coach Mark Whipple watches from the sideline during the first half of the team's NCAA college football game against Duquesne in Amherst, Mass. Pittsburgh coach Pat Narduzzi’s biggest coup during the offseason might be the 61-year-old passing game guru with a reputation as a quarterback whisperer. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File)
Duquesne at Massachusetts 8/25/2018

Feb. 07, 2019 01:01 AM EST

Pittsburgh hires Mark Whipple as offensive coordinator

Jan. 14, 2019 06:45 PM EST
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh is turning to former Massachusetts head coach Mark Whipple to rejuvenate its offense. The Panthers hired Whipple as...

UMass hires Florida St. offensive coordinator Bell as coach

Dec. 03, 2018 06:42 PM EST
AMHERST, Mass. (AP) — Massachusetts hired Florida State offensive coordinator Walt Bell on Monday as its new head coach. The 34-year-old Bell has been...

Whipple steps down after 5 years in 2nd stint as UMass coach

Nov. 21, 2018 05:58 PM EST
AMHERST, Mass. (AP) — Massachusetts coach Mark Whipple is stepping down after his second stint leading the Minutemen produced just 16 victories in five seasons. ...

AP source: UMass parting ways with Whipple after 6 seasons

By Ralph D. Russo Nov. 20, 2018 03:08 PM EST
A person familiar with the decision says Massachusetts is working on parting ways with coach Mark Whipple, who has led the Minutemen to just 16 victories in six...

FILE - In this Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018 file photo, Georgia running back D'Andre Swift (7) fends off Auburn linebacker Deshaun Davis (57) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Athens, Ga. In Mark Whipple’s two stints as the UMass coach covering 11 years and time spent in FCS and FBS, No. 5 Georgia is his pick as the Minutemen’s toughest opponent. Such playmakers as quarterback Jake Fromm and tailback D’Andre Swift make the Bulldogs heavy favorites on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File)
No. 5 Georgia ranks as 'best team UMass has ever played'

By Charles Odum Nov. 16, 2018 12:23 PM EST

No. 5 Georgia big favorite in first game against UMass

By The Associated Press Nov. 15, 2018 09:44 AM EST
UMass (4-7) at No. 5 Georgia (9-1, No. 5 CFP), 4 p.m. EST (SEC Network) Line: Georgia by 45 Series record: First meeting. ...