The Panthers were led by first-year head coach John Michelosen and played their home games at Pitt Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Pittsburgh was invited to the 1956 Sugar Bowl, played against Georgia Tech.
Intense controversy surrounded the bowl game, as Pittsburgh had a black player, Bobby Grier, at a time when the sport was not fully integrated.
Many people opposed Pittsburgh playing in the bowl, and having desegregated seating sections in the stands, including Georgia governor Marvin Griffin.
[1] The game ultimately was played without incident, and marked the first integrated Sugar Bowl.