Wannstedt served as defensive line coach for the Oklahoma State Cowboys in 1979 and 1980 seasons and was promoted to defensive coordinator in 1981 a position he held for two seasons. He moved to the University of Southern California in 1983 to train the Trojans and served as defensive line coach in three years. In 1986, Wannstedt defensive coordinator for the Miami Hurricanes under friend and mentor Jimmy Johnson, where they won a national championship in 1987.
Wannstedt said that recruitment will be a top priority under his leadership. Harris had been heavily criticized in the course of time not to recruit the best high school talent, particularly in the crucial and talent laden western Pennsylvania area. Wannstedt kept some of Harris' employees, including Paul Rhoads, the defensive coordinator, but made some important changes, including bringing in former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Matt Cavanaugh to run their offense. Cavanaugh was Pitt starting quarterback in 1976 and 1977, when Wannstedt was a graduate assistant coach.
