The 1963 Pittsburgh Panthers football team represented the University of Pittsburgh in the 1963 NCAA University Division football season. Led by ninth-year head coach John Michelosen, the Panthers were 9âÂÂ1 and were fourth in the final AP poll, third in the coaches poll.
The Panthers did not play in a bowl game; their most recent postseason appearance was in 1956 and the next was in 1973.
On March 25, Coach Michelosen welcomed 66 players, including 30 lettermen for his ninth spring practice session. The coaches were allotted 20 days of practice to be completed by April 27. The annual Blue-White game was played on that date at Pitt Stadium. The Blues managed an 8âÂÂ0 victory with no time remaining on a 15-yard interception return by guard Ray Popp. The two point conversion was successful (a pass from Ray Conway to John Verkleeran).
On April 2, Pitt assistant line coach Frank Lauterbur was named head coach at Toledo University. On August 24, the Athletic Department announced the hiring of Joe Pullekines to replace Lauterbur. Pullekines previously coached as a graduate assistant for Pitt, while pursuing his dental degree.
A squad of 60 players including 27 lettermen were invited to fall camp at Allegheny College in Meadville, PA, commencing on August 19. The squad returned to campus on September 1 for class registration, and then practiced on campus for their opening game at UCLA on September 20.
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