Seminoles’ Richt Turns Down Pitt

Florida State offensive coordinator Mark Richt has become the second coach in less than a week to turn down Pittsburgh.

Richt, also the Seminoles’ quarterbacks coach, told Pitt Athletic Director Steve Pederson that he would not accept an offer to replace Johnny Majors.

Last week, San Francisco 49er quarterbacks coach Matt Cavanaugh, Pederson’s top choice for the job, also rejected an offer.

Pitt is 15-41 over the last five seasons and has had only one winning season since 1990.

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Orlando Pace, who finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting, says he’ll return to Ohio State for his senior season. But he’s leaving his options open.

“I’m going to stay at Ohio State for another year,” said the Buckeyes’ All-American left tackle.

Then he hedged a bit.

“It’s not final until the last day I have to decide,” he said. “I’m just asking myself if I’m ready for the next level.”

Pace, the Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award winner, will play in the Rose Bowl against No. 2 Arizona State.

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Florida quarterback Danny Wuerffel will play in the Hula Bowl all-star game Jan. 19 at Aloha Stadium, bowl officials announced after he won the Heisman Trophy.

Wuerffel will play for the South team, which will be coached by Bobby Bowden of Florida State. On Jan. 2, Wuerffel will lead the Gators against Bowden’s Seminoles in the Sugar Bowl.

The North Squad will be led by Lou Holtz of Notre Dame, who will be making his final appearance as a college coach.

Full rosters for the Hula Bowl will be announced Dec. 26.