Pittsburgh Sports Now has confirmed that defensive coordinator Josh Conklin is leaving Pitt and is expected to become the next head coach at Wofford College.
Conklin has been Pat Narduzzi’s defensive coordinator since taking over in 2015. Chris Peak of Rivals was first to report this story.
Despite going 5-7 last season, Pitt’s defense took major strides as the season went on and Conklin deserves credit for that. Whoever takes over will inherit a young, talent defense that should get better in 2018.
A Pitt spokesman declined to give an official statement.
Charlie Partridge and Rob Harley are likely candidates to replace Conklin if Narduzzi hires from within. Partridge has experience as a defensive coordinator, having that job at Wisconsin.
Conklin’s recruiting skills will he missed as he was very effective in Florida and in Eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Prior to Pitt, Conklin was defensive coordinator at Florida Atlantic, safeties coach at Tennessee, defensive coordinator at The Citadel.
FootballScoop.com first reported that Conklin would be hired at Wofford. Conklin previously worked at Wofford from 2007 to 2009 and was the defensive backs coach and special teams coordinator. Conklin is a Wyoming native and a graduate of Dakota State.
Wofford is located in Spartanburg, South Carolina and competes in the Southern Conference at the FCS level. The Terriers went 10-3 in 2017 and were ranked No. 9 nationally to finish the season.
Conklin will be replacing Mike Ayers as the head coach at Wofford. Ayers held the job for 30 years before retiring in December.
