Pitt Head Coach Pat Narduzzi Hires Defensive Coordinator, Three Others
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) - Pitt Head Coach Pat Nardzuzzi has announced the hiring of one of his two coordinator positions.
Narduzzi has hired Florida International University defensive coordinator Josh Conklin to the same position at Pitt.
Conklin is a 2014 Broyles Award nominee after leading FIU to a top-35 finish in total defense this season. The Golden Panthers ranked first nationally in fumble recoveries with 19, second in defensive touchdowns with six, fourth in takeaway with 33 and eighth in turnover margin at +11.
Narduzzi issued a statement through a university press release on the hiring of Conklin.
"Josh Conklin oversaw an incredibly disruptive unit at FIU," Narduzzi said. "They were among the top five in the country in takeaways and defensive touchdowns. We want our Pitt defenses to have an attacking, opportunistic mentality and Josh will help us achieve that."
The three other hirings are running backs coach and special teams coordinator Andrew Powell, a 27-year college coaching veteran who has coached the past four seasons at Maryland. Head strength and conditioning coach Dave Andrews. Andrews comes to Pitt after serving on Notre Dame's football strength staff this past year. Director of football operations Ben Mathers who was an operations assistant for Michigan State in 2014.
Narduzzi talked about these hirings on the whole and putting together his staff.
"My first week at Pitt has been really energizing and I'm especially excited to announce our initial hirings," Narduzzi said. "In assembling our staff, we are looking for great people and great teachers. Each of these men fit that mold and will be tremendous assets on and off the field. I know they share my enthusiasm and vision for what we can accomplish at the University of Pittsburgh."
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