I’m not saying this is Nostradamus level stuff, but let me have a little fun.
I guess I am hoping for a little symmetry. Ten years ago, Pitt went to the Sun Bowl. The QB had a bomb of a game and Pitt couldn’t generate enough offense against a Pac-12 (10 at the time) that was missing their top running back and had other injuries. The complete offensive ineptitude forced the defensive-minded coach to make a change at OC. Let’s find out if history repeats.
And in one of Pitt’s briefest press releases that doesn’t announce a player being dismissed from the team…
Pitt head football coach Pat Narduzzi announced today the Panthers have parted ways with offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Shawn Watson and wide receivers coach Kevin Sherman.
Watson was Pitt’s offensive play caller the past two seasons. Sherman served four years (2015-18) overseeing the Panthers’ receivers.
“I want to thank Shawn and Kevin for their efforts and dedication to our program,” Narduzzi said. “Certainly we wish them and their families the very best in their future endeavors.”
No waiting for the late signing period. Not much to say, since there wasn’t much nice to say at this point.
Really, the results spoke for themselves.
Shawn Watson was an easy call. Six of the losses had the Pitt offense score only 6 TDs. Failing to develop a promising young QB this entire season. Failing with the QBs in general over two years.
Kevin Sherman wasn’t far behind.
Certainly Sherman deserves credit for the way Jester Weah developed in two years under him. And Ffrench, certainly came on this year after being bounced around in positional development hell.
But Sherman has little else to speak of his work with the wide receivers. Bad evaluations on talent and practically no development of the kids who were recruited.
Speculation can begin anew on the next hires, but I’m not sure that there will be anything immediate announced. Frankly, there isn’t any pressing need.
There is a appeal to Pitt’s OC job. You do get autonomy to run the offense how you want. Two of the three hires for OC under Narduzzi took jobs that got significant raises.
The questions surround the overall talent on the offensive side. Certainly, there is reason to be optimistic at running back. And even at wide receiver. Even the quarterback position isn’t exactly lacking in potential.
As for the O-line… No idea.
link to pittsburghsportsnow.com
From the time he hit the Southside Weah ran great routes and caught anything remotely close to him in practices and scrimmages…he was the talk of the town on the sidelines during those.
Sherman had rather little to do with it actually.
Here is a news piece on it:
The Pete has some big BB recruits coming to the game tomorrow. Hope they’re impressed.
link to cardiachill.com