1943 Pittsburgh Panthers football team

On January 22, Chester L. Smith of The Pittsburgh Press reported that Pitt head coach Charles Bowser was leaving his post, and applying for a commission in the United States Navy Pre-Flight Schools under the command of Lieutenant-Commander Tom Hamilton, who would become Pitt's Athletic Director from 1949–1959.[5] On August 27, Bowser was named executive director of the USO Council in the Pittsburgh district.[6] After the war he sold insurance for the Aetna Insurance Company in the Pittsburgh area.[7]

On January 25, the University of Pittsburgh Board of Trustees formally approved the resignation of Charles Bowser, as Pitt football coach, and appointed Clark Shaughnessy as his successor. Athletic Director James Hagan stated: "In Shaughnessy we found a popular figure, who is liked by everyone...He has done a great teaching job wherever he has coached during the past 28 years, and gets the most out of what he has to work with...I'm convinced that Shaughnessy honestly believes in Pitt and feels he can do a good job."[8]

On January 30, Shaughnessy hired ex-Chicago Bear guard Dr. Daniel Fortmann. He served as the assistant coach, and pursued his medical career on the staff of Presbyterian Hospital.[9] On February 8, Shaughnessy announced that he would retain Charles “Doc” Hartwig from Bowser's coaching staff as an assistant.[10]

In February, The Pittsburgh Press and The Pitt News reported that returning starters Jack Durishan (tackle) and Bill Dillon (guard), plus reserves Harold Scott (center), Wilbur Newstetter (guard) and John Montana (fullback) were to report for active duty the first week of March. Halfback Tony DiMatteo, along with back-up quarterbacks Bob Smith and Ed Slavin had withdrawn earlier in the year.[11] Wilbur Newstetter and John Montana were also called to serve.[12]

With Pitt on the trimester system for the war effort, the spring practice drills did not start until June 28, so Shaughnessy could include all the incoming freshmen. 51 students attended the first session, and by July 3 the number had risen to 72. Practices were scheduled an hour and a half 4 days per week.[13] Shaughnessy brought in Chicago Bear quarterback Sid Luckman to teach the T- Formation system to the Panther quarterbacks.[14] On August 7, the Panthers ended their summer training with an intra-squad game. With several thousand fans in attendance, the Gold bested the Blue 26–16. Freshman Carl Mosso, all-state halfback from New Jersey, scored two touchdowns.[15] Two weeks later he was summoned home by his draft board.[16]

The student activities book was replaced by a single card that was punched upon entrance to the stadium. Most of the band members were marching with Uncle Sam, so the Army Corps band supplied the halftime music. New cheerleaders and the Panther mascot would be on the sidelines.[17]

Coach Shaughnessy decided that the Panthers would wear red and white uniforms instead of their usual blue and gold. He told The Pittsburgh Press: "It will be the most stylish-looking team in the country. Oh, there's Stanford, too. But in equipment and color scheme and practicality our boys will lead."[18]