close

Pitt hires Canada as offensive coordinator

2 min read
article image -

PITTSBURGH — Matt Canada is Pitt’s new offensive coordinator.

Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi announced Canada’s hiring on Friday, less than a week after Canada was let go by N.C. State.

Narduzzi and Canada coached together at Northern Illinois from 2000-02. Canada spent the last three years as quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator for the Wolfpack, who averaged 33.2 points and 412 yards per game in 2015.

“Matt is an innovative offensive mind, excellent teacher of quarterback play, and strong recruiter and evaluator,” Narduzzi said in a statement. “He is a great leader who will provide our team and staff with a real spark. Most importantly, Matt is a tremendously loyal person who will be a great fit for Pitt.”

Canada takes over for Jim Chaney, who left after one season to become the offensive coordinator at Georgia. This past season, NC State produced 412.8 yards per game – the fifth-highest average in school history – and led the Atlantic Coast Conference in time of possession. Also, quarterback Jacoby Brissett was one of just three Power 5 conference quarterbacks with at least 2,000 passing yards, 300 rushing yards, 20 passing touchdownsw and five (or fewer) interceptions. In 2014, the Huskies racked up their highest rushing total since 1977 with 2,659 yards and averaged six yards per play.

“I’m thrilled and honored to join Pat Narduzzi and the Pitt football program,” Canada said. “I have tremendous respect for Pat as a person and professional. He truly does things the right way. Pat is building something special at Pitt and I’m ready to hit the ground running and begin contributing to the effort.”

The Panthers are coming off an 8-5 mark in Narduzzi’s first season. Though wide receiver Tyler Boyd is heading to the NFL next spring, Pitt returns quarterback Nate Peterman, ACC offensive newcomer of the year Qadree Ollison and versatile two-way player Jordan Whitehead.

CUSTOMER LOGIN

If you have an account and are registered for online access, sign in with your email address and password below.

NEW CUSTOMERS/UNREGISTERED ACCOUNTS

Never been a subscriber and want to subscribe, click the Subscribe button below.

Starting at $3.75/week.

Subscribe Today