The Pitt-Tennessee football series the next two years will have a little extra meaning.
The two schools announced on Wednesday that the game on Sept. 11 along with next year’s game at Heinz Field, will be called the Johnny Majors Classic, in honor of the late head coach of both programs.
The game, which will be televised at Noon on ESPN, will have many in-game festivities to honor Majors, along with having Johnny Majors Classic apparel. This will be the first game between these two schools since 1983, when Pitt beat Majors’ Volunteers at Neyland Stadium, 13-3.
“We are honored to join the University of Tennessee in celebrating the life of Coach Johnny Majors,” Pitt athletic director Heather Lyke said in a press release. “Beyond the victories, Coach Majors made such a huge impact on the lives of his players. That’s his greatest legacy and the University of Pittsburgh is incredibly proud to be part of it. We look forward to being with the Majors family when we visit in September.”
”This is an incredibly fitting tribute for Coach Majors, a true coaching legend who made such a lasting impact at both Pitt and Tennessee,” said Pat Narduzzi. “Every time I walk past our national championship display, I’m reminded- and inspired – by his legacy. He set high standards on and off the field during his incredible career.”
Majors, who served as Pitt’s head coach from 1973-76 and 1993-96 and at Tennessee from 1977-92, died on June 3, 2020 at the age of 85.
that is a great idea. even suggests it should continue.