PITTSBURGH - Former Miami Dolphins coach Dave Wannstedt may have re-emerged Wednesday as a top contender to replace Walt Harris as the University of Pittsburgh's coach, according to a published report.

Wannstedt, who pulled himself out of the running a week ago, was expected to talk with Pitt athletic director Jeff Long Wednesday night, a Pittsburgh newspaper, citing anonymous sources, reported on its Web site.

Wannstedt told The Associated Press Dec. 16 that he wasn't ready to take another job - even one at his alma mater - and wanted to see what developed over the next few months.

Even after pulling his name out of consideration, Wannstedt promised to assist Pitt in its search and to talk again to Long. Once he did, Wannstedt's interest in the job apparently rekindled.

Wannstedt did not immediately return phone calls from the AP Wednesday night.

Wannstedt stepped down as the Dolphins' coach by mutual consent Nov. 9 after a 1-8 start. He has since worked one NFL game as a Fox TV analyst.

If Wannstedt is Pitt's choice, he likely will make more than the $500,000 to $600,000 Harris made. Louisville signed coach Bobby Petrino to a $1 million-a-year contract Tuesday as it prepares to move into the Big East, a deal likely to elevate the salaries of other Big East coaches.

Wannstedt hasn't been a college head coach, but has coached the Dolphins and Chicago Bears and recruited as a Pitt assistant.

Harris was allowed to leave Pitt after eight seasons to become Stanford's coach, though he had two years left on his contract. Despite taking the No. 19 Panthers to the Jan. 1 Fiesta Bowl against No. 5 Utah, Harris and Long did not get along and it seemed likely Harris would not return to Pitt next season.

Harris will coach the Panthers in the bowl game.