PITTSBURGH - Pitt coach Walt Harris has been selected as the Big East Conference football coach of the year for the second time in voting by league coaches.

Harris was chosen after the rebuilding Panthers (7-3, 4-2 in Big East) won five of their last six games to capture a share of the Big East title and position themselves for the conference's BCS bowl bid. Pitt closes the regular season Saturday at South Florida (4-6).

Harris also earned the honor after taking Pitt to a bowl game in 1997, his first season at the school.

Five Pitt players were made the all-Big East first team, also chosen by the coaches: offensive tackle Rob Petitti, an unanimous selection; kicker Josh Cummings, nose tackle Vince Crochunis, linebacker H.B. Blades and punter Adam Graessle. Second-team picks were wide receiver Greg Lee, offensive guard Charles Spencer, quarterback Tyler Palko, defensive tackle Dan Stephens and cornerback Bernard "Josh" Lay.