Okay, so let's get it out of our system. South Park Canada reference. Canada Dry. Oh, Canada. Hockey Night in Canada.
Earlier today, JD wrote that Matt Canada was interviewing for the Pitt offensive coordinator job. Shortly after that, the official announcement came that it was indeed Canada getting the job. Canada was most recently the coordinator for North Carolina State this past season before being let go only a few days ago, which was somewhat of a surprise.
I'll have a full rundown on his background and what I think we can expect a little later tonight. But if there was one thing his team did this year, it was put points on the board. The Wolfpack ranked third in scoring in the ACC this season, so in that respect, it was a little surprising to see him made available.
Coordinators with a reasonable track record and recent success just aren't let go all that often at the non-elite level when there isn't a coaching change. Many times when programs are forced to find coordinators, they have to promote from within, bring in a guy that was a position coach elsewhere, bring in a coordinator from a lower level, or bring in a coordinator that was canned as part of the head coach losing his job - that isn't the case here.
Canada replaces Jim Chaney, who left Pitt in the offseason for Georgia.
Both Pat Narduzzi and Canada issued brief statements as part of Pitt's official release.
"I've known Matt and his family for a very long time and I feel very fortunate to bring him to Pittsburgh," Pat Narduzzi said. "Matt is an innovative offensive mind, excellent teacher of quarterback play and strong recruiter and evaluator. 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."
"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."
Again, more on this later. But if you're one of those people that likes to see coaches hired that have experience, you've got it.
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