THE SIDELINES : Hackett Denies Hope for New Job

Paul Hackett, the first Pitt coach to have a losing record in his rookie season since 1969, says published reports he wants to become the Cleveland Browns’ coach are false.

Hackett said an unspecified number of recruits have called Pitt to sever recruiting ties because of the stories, which were carried in several newspapers.

“There is absolutely no credence at all” to the rumors, Hackett said. “All (the recruits) have to do is sit down and visit with me and it becomes pretty clear. We have a plan and a project here at this university, and we are all going to move ahead.”