Holy crap. Way to not even let the ink dry on the NLIs.
Pitt football offensive coordinator Matt Cavanaugh is expected to take a job as an offensive assistant with the New York Jets, likely working with quarterbacks, according to a source.
Cavanaugh has been at Pitt since 2004, when head coach Dave Wannstadt hired him. Before that, he was the offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens.
“We all know Matt’s a great coach and I’m sure a lot of other people out there will be interested in giving him another opportunity,” Wannstedt said. “It wouldn’t surprise me if people had an interest in him, but at this point, I have nothing to say about it,”.
Stunning. I have to say I did not see this coming.
I’m thrilled. I was resigned to Cavanaugh returning and being here for more years.
Of course, it is still up to Coach Wannstedt to hire the next OC.
I’m not holding my breath for a creative and innovative coach. I expect he’ll be some ex-NFL retread that goes back years with Wannstedt. I’d love to be optimistic that he’ll go out and get a college guy like he did on the defensive side, but I refuse to get too far ahead of things.
The one good thing I can think is that you have to believe Greg Cross’s chances of being on the field for more than one game this year has just improved.
I never got the sense that Walt loves Pitt enough to return as offensive coordinator to a place where he used to be head coach.
And, for all of the “brilliance” of his offense, he also was the one that decided to keep Larry Fitzgerald on the sideline for 4 consecutive plays (1st & Goal – 4th & Goal) in the Tire Bowl in 2003. And the slide. And the quick kicks. And that formidable offense that beat Furman in OT.
The point is that every QB under Harris out-talented, out-played, and out-performed anything that they currently have. He wasn’t good at managing a whole team, but if the guy focused on just offense, I think he’d be pretty good.
Plus part of his offense not being great (the Furman OT reference) was how terrible the lines were under Harris, which isn’t as big a problem under Wanny.
I would love to see Walt back, but Wanny likes his “circle” of boys…so doubt we will see Walt on the sideline. Does Wanny have any ties to Mike Shula?
1) If Shady knew Cav was leaving, would he have changed his decision on going pro? I would love to hear his answer.
2)I think Walt is going to be the new coach at Seneca Valley High School. I recently heard that he applied. (not sure if it is a head or assistant job) Wanny is very hard headed and would never bring in a pass first coach. Also, Wanny is a pure yinzer and Walt is a quiet California guy. I see it as a marriage made in hell.
Who will the new OC be? I am guessing someone from the NFL that will concentrate on a run first and manage the game type offense. (no risk, minimal return, cover Stull’s flaws) I can’t see Wanny bringing in a spread guy or anyone that would do anything unconventional.
I like the idea of hiring Walt, but only as QB coach. Wanny should still insist on his guy being the OC and calling the plays – Walt was terrible at playcalling, but great at developing QB’s; plus, he was the only reason Larry Fitzgerald came to Pitt, and his presence could get some skill WR’s to come to Pitt.
BRING BACK WALT!!!!!!!!!!
I might remind that during the days when Vinny Testeverde was with their team, Paul Hackett was the Offensive Coordinator. Yes, that Paul Hackett.
I think the question should be, Will the Jets ever start thinking?
(Yes, I know. Big talk from a fan of a Dave Wannstedt-coached football team.)
…He should make a good decision like he did hiring a qualified college D coordinator last year….hire a college o coordinator…
…and if walt comes back, that’s fine, as long as Wanny has the final say on all calls…”Quick quick??!!? GTFO Walt. Choose a real play to run…”
We don’t need Walt to recruit (Cav didn’t either). We need him to develop QBs – he could do that. Dave keeps him doing dumb crap (slides, quick kicks, etc) and he’s good at what he does – hell, half of O$U would love to have him back.
Wanny Speaks about the class…
Like the class.
Hail to Pitt!
Maybe we should go for an OC from a smaller school. Who is Central Michigan’s Offensive Coordinator? This has to be an attractive position with the receivers we have on this team. At least we have something to look forward to. I feel bad for Matt, I tried to like him but as the season went on my eyes ran out of tears. I don’t have enough tears left to cry IF the basketball team loses in the sweet sixteen again. They made it so I can’t cry.
If I lose, any takers drink beer free all day.
If I win, any takers have to buy me a beer anytime they see me on gamedays next season…
If:
“We’re not changing anything on offense,” Wannstedt said. “We’re not going to go to the option. We’re going to run the pro-style offense that we’ve always run.”
And:
Wannstedt said Pitt sent letters to gauge the interest of the nation’s top 100 quarterbacks.
Then:
Gray was one of a handful who responded.
As for Walt, I think a lot of you guys are right. He would be a great addition to the staff but I don’t think it will happen.
During the fall scrimmage I was hoping he would get a few snaps with the 1st team. When that didn’t happen IMO that GG saw the handwriting on the wall.
I do believe he could throw the ball as well as Bill Stull.
He had a month to prepare for that game, and OSU just showed that they couldn’t stop a spread attack vs Oregon. He had plenty of time to prepare a spread package, yet the only spread play they ran all year was a snap to Shady who tried to pick his hole — 1 play.
The other issue was the lack of use of two very talented TEs. Dickerson made two very good catches downfield this year, but both were in desperation time, late in the games vs Cincy & OSU. Why did these plays have to wait for desperation time?
If they hire Walt, will they also bring Ray Kirkley back for his 9th season?
