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Mike’d Up: Reaction To Mark Whipple’s Departure From Pitt

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Just days after directing the Pitt offense to an ACC Title, Mark Whipple is no longer the offensive coordinator. This move raises many questions such as Whipple leaving before the Peach Bowl, why now, why was he out recruiting for Pitt last night, who should Pitt pursue to replace him?

Plenty to discuss so Mike and Mike give their thoughts on the big news of the day in this edition of “Mike’d Up”.

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Jeff
Jeff
2 years ago

Just read that former Akron Quarterback Zach Gibson will be visiting with Nebraska on Friday. Not sure if this signifies anything other than a visit but it’s worth mentioning since Pitt seems to have a strong interest in Purdy.

Jeff
Jeff
2 years ago

This is a weird night even though many said this move was expected from Whipple although they probably sure didn’t see it happening in this fashion. Nothing on Coach Narduzzi’s Twitter either as far as a farewell even though he made a statement about the situation. Weird night. 😂

Eli
Eli
2 years ago

I still don’t get why they wouldn’t they wouldn’t have wanted Whipple back after the work he did with Pickett and the overall productivity of the offense this year.

Jeff
Jeff
2 years ago
Reply to  Eli

I think productivity is largely based on personnel. If you have talented players that are dedicated and unselfish a team can find success and productivity even with mediocre coaching. Whipple certainly deserves some credit of course but Pitt had the talented and dedicated players making up this years roster that they lacked in prior years.

One small example is going from zero viable options at tight end to having two solid tight ends.

Last edited 2 years ago by Jeff
James from Florida
James from Florida
2 years ago

Pretty much expected but I thought he would stay for the bowl game. Marion was brought in to succeed him and will be promoted shortly.

PittBand
PittBand
2 years ago

Whipple should mark the day Narduzzi decided to hire him and GIVE a second or third or fourth chance to resurrect himself. He was a fired head coach of a bottom ten team, Massachusetts. He’ll get a substantial pay raise and leave a sour taste at Pitt, ala Canada.

Michael McPoland
Michael McPoland
2 years ago
Reply to  PittBand

Generally agree with you. Why was he supposedly recruiting a 4 star qb when he knew he was leaving? On the verge of having a very good program and his departure now hurts the program. Is the Pitt pay structure too low? Do not otherwise understand why he is leaving.

TJ
TJ
2 years ago

i like marion but if he is that great … why was he coaching for graham in hawaii ? now, after some time at pitt, he could “demand” the oc position ?

TJ
TJ
2 years ago

i agree that the O may drop off next year .. however, if it is patti or beville, they have been in the pitt system for 3 years now so should be familiar with other players, coaches, etc. maybe they aren’t equal to KP in the “leadership” role; however, they aren’t unfamiliar either. assuming they can pass the ball reasonably well, this group of receivers will get open and make the catches. maybe our drives take more time to score but 30+ points could be reasonable.

TJ
TJ
2 years ago

i’ve talked about the QB situation before. will beville and yellen stick around again if a new transfer is brought in. obviously, both were set back a year with KP coming back. And then, Patti seems to get the nod over them. does it say that neither beville or yellen have gained any trust with the staff ?

Jeff
Jeff
2 years ago
Reply to  TJ

Just a total guess on my part but I’d be surprised to see Yellen stick around for the upcoming year. I think he may need to look to be a starter for a smaller school or a backup for someone having less success than Pitt is currently having.

It appeared that both Patti and Beville had an edge on him this year and I’d be surprised if that changed. Yarnell will most likely pass him on the depth chart as well. I could be wrong but I don’t see much opportunity for Yellen at Pitt moving forward.

TJ
TJ
2 years ago
Reply to  Jeff

agreed. although, i can’t believe that either Beville or Yellen came to Pitt to be a backup for 3-4 years and/or a starter for only 1 year. which would happen if a starter QB comes in from the portal or Patti becomes the starter next season. wouldn’t surprise me if either or both left, especially if a new OC/QB coach comes in from the outside and a transfer comes in and Yarnell has some chops.

Michael McPoland
Michael McPoland
2 years ago
Reply to  TJ

Flacco did well transferring to Delaware rather than waiting for Palko to graduate. Hard to evaluate talent in football. Look at Tom Brady, a sixth round draft pick. Think Pickett was 3 star coming out of high school.

Michael McPoland
Michael McPoland
2 years ago

What is the pay structure in college fb? How can state schools like Nebraska pay Whipple almost twice what he made at Pitt? Alabama, GA, Penn State, Clemson and numerous private schools seem to have unlimited funds for coaches.

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