There are going to be changes — a lot of them — when a team implodes and goes 3-9 in a season. Pat Narduzzi knew he couldn’t afford to let it happen again, and to his credit, he’s already completely revamped the offense.
Frank Cignetti Jr. was fired directly following the season finale loss to Duke, ending his two-year tenure as the offensive coordinator, and it took just about two weeks to find Western Carolina offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Kade Bell.
It didn’t take too much time following the turn of the year for long-time assistants Andre Powell, Dave Borbely and Tim Salem to be dismissed.
The expectation was that Narduzzi would get younger offensively this offseason. He did that by hiring Bell, a 31-year-old, and he did it once again by filling out his offensive staff with coaches who are in their 30s and 40s — with all four receiving their first major Power Five gigs.
Pitt announced the hiring of new running backs coach Lindsey Lamar (Howard), offensive line coach Jeremy Darveau (Western Carolina) and tight ends coach/special teams coordinator Jacob Bronowski (Miami (Oh.)).
Aside from Tiquan Underwood, the lone holdover from last season’s offensive staff and this season’s, the staff was old. And there’s nothing wrong with an older, more experienced staff. But it was clear that the Panthers needed a jolt of youthful vigor that was sorely missing last season. Cignetti, who first took a graduate assistant role at Pitt in 1989, has been coaching longer than three of the four new offensive staffers have been alive.
Borbely, who took his first job as a graduate assistant at Evansville in 1981-82, was working his second job — or third — major job by the time a few of the new coaches were born.
So, while there is some risk with a staff that is young and relatively inexperienced (especially at the Power Five level), Narduzzi recognized the need for an offensive staff that was young, on the rise and excited about the opportunity to break into the industry.
While Lamar hasn’t coached running backs at this point in his career, he has experience at the college level himself as a running back — and he coached at the Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers training camps over the summer as part of a fellowship program.
Lamar, 33, spent the last four years as the wide receivers coach at Howard, and he was elevated to offensive coordinator ahead of last season — while retaining his position coaching the wideouts.
Howard went 6-6 last season, averaging 28.5 points per game and 367.3 total yards per game. It was a balanced attack offensively, with eight different Bison catching double-digit passes, and three different Bison serving in the running backs rotation.
“Lindsey is a dynamic young coach who will make an immediate impression on our running backs room,” Narduzzi said in the release. “I know he impressed us with his knowledge and passion for the game. His experience as an offensive coordinator while at Howard will also be invaluable for our entire staff.”
Darveau, 43, has ties with new offensive coordinator Kade Bell dating back to their time together at Valdosta State (D2) during the national championship run in 2018.
He spent the last two seasons working at Western Carolina under Bell, mentoring an offensive line that has helped the Catamounts to one of the best offenses in the FCS. According to his bio, he’s helped develop 35 All-Conference players, 13 All-Americans and produced 10 NFL Draft picks.
Darveau’s extensive history with Bell bodes well for offensive synergy entering the 2024 season, with the new OC finding an OL coach who knows how he wants the offensive line to function.
“Jeremy brings to Pitt a great background as both a coach and player. His track record of developing individual talent and overall units is really impressive,” Narduzzi said in the release. “I love his energy and I know our players are really going to enjoy being coached by him. Certainly his familiarity with Kade Bell’s system while at Western Carolina will be a huge asset as well. Jeremy’s lines were really instrumental for those outstanding offenses.”
Bronowski, 30, experienced a lot of success during his two seasons at Miami (Oh.), and he was recently named to the 247Sports’ 30 Under 30 list — earning 247Sports’ Special Teams Coordinator of the Year.
Miami (Oh.) was rated as the top special teams unit by ESPN’s SP+, and Miami (Oh.) kicker Graham Nicholson won the Lou Groza Award for the top kicker in college football last season. Bronowski is regarded as one of the better special teams coordinators in college football, but he will also be coaching tight ends, too.
“My family and I are excited to be back in the Steel City and I’m grateful to Coach Narduzzi and Director of Athletics Heather Lyke for the opportunity to serve as special teams coordinator and tight ends coach at the University of Pittsburgh,” Bronowski said in the release. “I look forward to being part of a high-powered offense paired with an elite defense, while giving our fans game-changing plays on special teams. I am going to work relentlessly for our players, Coach Narduzzi and the City of Pittsburgh. Hail to Pitt!”
So, now comes the hard part. It’s an exciting time full of intrigue and potential, but there’s a little over a month until spring ball kicks off on the South Side. Bell will immediately begin to install a brand-new offensive scheme, and Lamar, Darveau and Bronowski will help, while also adapting to their new rooms.
One thing is certain though. Narduzzi recognized what he needed to do, and for the most part, he did it. Now it’s time for results.
Pitt 2024 Offensive Coaching Staff
OC: Kade Bell
RB: Lindsey Lamar
WR: Tiquan Underwood
TE: Jacob Bronowski
OL: Jeremy Darveau
Much needed changes.
H2P!
Something had to be done, and this change can be a spark. H2P
I am still in shock that these types of changes were made. It may not work, but I am fully in support of the concept and decision.
Directive from Heather.
Amen Dave! You must have contacts too. Thank God she kept Partridge. Great coach and was by far their best recruiter. A couple powers wanted him. I’m hoping these young guys are good recruiters at this level. That offensive line Coach is the one to really watch. Great Coach that preaches aggression, power and nasty attitude. I’m watching to see any players from transfer portal by these guys.
It all starts with the Head Coach and as long as Dizzy is there nothing will CHANGE !!!!!!