Yes, I am aware of Paul Zeise’s post that Noel Mazzone is now the leading candidate for the offensive coordinator job.
It appears that former Jets wide receivers coach Noel Mazzone has moved to the front of the pack of candidates to replace Pitt offensive coordinator Matt Cavanaugh. In fact all signs — and several sources as well — are pointing to Mazzone and he is looking like he could be the guy.
Mazzone was in town over the past two days meeting with Dave Wannstedt and he has the right mix of NFL and college coaching in his background that Wannstedt is looking for. He was an offensive coordinator for 11 seasons at Ole Miss, Auburn, N.C State and Oregon State and he’s also tutored a number of top flight quarterbacks, most notably Chargers standout Philip Rivers.
I’m not sure how I feel about Noel Mazzone.
Just doing a little cursory digging shows a guy who has not completely distinguished himself as an OC. He was OC at NC State for one year, and the most noticeable thing about that tenure were the production of these t-shirts.
Clearly that one season in Raleigh endeared him to the fans.
One thing is certain, Mazzone is used to being OC for a defense-first coach that is extremely conservative on the offesne. He had two stints with Tommy Tuberville at Ole Miss and Auburn.
In fact, he seems most comfortable being an OC for very conservative coaches.
There are rumors that Shannon also interviewed former K-State coach Ron Prince on Tuesday. I’ve heard that former Jets assistant Noel Mazzone has tried to make a run at the job as well. Mazzone is close to UM tight-ends coach Joe Pannunzio and also has the support of Federal Express founder Fred Smith, a potentially big Miami booster who is also the father of backup Canes QB Cannon Smith.
Instead, Miami went with Mark Whipple a Philadelphia Eagles assistant and was the Steelers QB coach from 2004-06.
He was also in the running to be the Houston Cougars’ OC last year.
Perhaps, Mazzone’s biggest credential to being hired by Coach Wannstedt, he has a deep rich ‘stache of his own.
Now, I wish Matt never left! Funny thing is – we got our wish – Matt left…but we didn’t remember that Wanny is capable of hiring someone worse!!!
let’s build an all-star team of coaches: ditka takes over the defense, marino handles the passing game, dorsett handles the running game
I do not like to knock players but is Bill Stull is the best Wanny could do in four years???? Pitt could have been headed to their best season in years next year but not without a QB who could at least make some of the throws.
The TE and Baldwin were so much underused it made me sick.
1) Only Wanny could screw this decision up!
2) I’d be more excited and comfortable with the offense if Noel Devine was the new OC.
I thought Dave might have shown some progress this year when his defensive hire was so successful. I blamed the 1st hires of Matt and Paul on them being runners up and Dave being loyal. If he selects this OC, he is out of his mind and he will only scare away any quarerback talent that could possibly want to play for Pitt.
Boy this one makes me scratch my head for backing Dave so long.
