LSU Hires Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada Away From Pitt
BATON ROUGE, La. (KDKA/AP) - LSU has hired Pittsburgh offensive coordinator Matt Canada away from the Panthers in hopes he can make the Tigers' run-heavy offense more dynamic and productive against some of the nation's better defenses.
Canada's unit at Pitt enjoyed a prolific season, averaging 42.3 points and 447.5 yards for Pitt, which went 8-4 this season and next meets Northwestern in the Pinstripe Bowl in Dec. 28.
Canada's offenses have been defined by balance, creativity and misdirection. Of Pitt's 5,370 total net yards of offense this season, 2,757 have come on the ground and 2,613 through the air.
Pitt's head coach Pat Narduzzi released a statement Wednesday morning to thank Canada for his contributions to the program.
"On behalf of our entire program, I want to thank Matt for his many important contributions, on and off the field, this past year," Narduzzi said. "It was important that Matt remain with our team through the bowl game and he had no hesitation about that. He wants to send this team, and especially our seniors, out the right way. Our search for a new offensive coordinator will fully begin after the bowl. Our primary focus is on a successful completion to the 2016 season.
"When you hire great people and have success, your staff will always be in demand. I'm confident we will find another outstanding person and professional to continue our momentum."
The 44-year-old Canada, who has worked as a college coach for more than two decades, has also held offensive coordinator positions with Indiana, Northern Illinois, Wisconsin and North Carolina State.
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