I’m not saying he isn’t happy to be back in Pittsburgh. For god’s sake he was living in Grayson, Kentucky — which is spitting distance of West Virginia. I’m just saying he may have known that the time at KCU was drawing to a close.
Former NFL wide receiver and Kentucky Christian University football head coach Mike Furrey resigned to become the wide receivers coach at Marshall University, according to a Wednesday press release from KCU.
The release announced the naming of former assistant coach Gene Peterson to succeed Furrey.
Although Marshall officials said Furrey has not been officially hired, family sources confirmed Wednesday afternoon Furrey would be making the move to join the Thundering Herd.
Poteat met Furrey when they played together on the Browns in 2009. Furrey made him cornerbacks coach in 2010. Obviously coaching kids in NAIA is not the same, but at least he already has a foundation.
The version Poteat tells does not quite include that he was going to have to look for work.
He said he contacted Pitt after running into former Panthers quarterback Rod Rutherford at the 2013 American Football Coaches Association convention.
“I wanted to continue to move forward in my coaching career,” Poteat said. “So when I went out to the coaches convention, I got a lot of information from a lot of different people. Rod said, ‘Hey, why don’t you contact someone up at Pitt.’ ”
Poteat sent his resume to Chryst, who responded a few days later with a text message asking to talk. The two spoke on the phone and organized a visit to Pittsburgh for Poteat. It didn’t take long for Chryst to realize that he wanted Poteat on his staff.
“It was impressive and it was energizing hearing him speak,” Chryst said.
“We had a day with him and that was enough to validate the things you’ve heard. He is impressive and I’m excited for him to get here.”
If you were wondering, Rod Rutherford is the WR Coach/Recruiting Coordinator at IUP (oh, hi Luke Getsy).
Don’t think Poteat doesn’t know where he is expected to make the big contribution: helping on recruiting.
As a graduate assistant, Poteat is not allowed to participate in off-campus visits with recruits. He can, however, engage with prospects in on-campus visits and make phone calls to potential recruits.
“That’s something that I enjoyed doing even when I was in Kentucky,” Poteat said. “[You] get a chance to develop relationships with the young guys. I give it to them straight. I give them stories of my background and what made me a better player, how I will treat them the same way.”
Welcome back, Hank.
I like the idea of having Hank Poteat, on the Pitt coaching staff. Having graduate assistants with ties to the university and with professional playing experience is posivitive all the way around. As an ex-Panther who is still fairly young he will be able to better relate with the current players and with the new recruits. I like seeing former Pitt players involved with he Pitt programs. We have Brandon Knight coaching on Jamie Dixon’s staff and it provides a connection and continuity for everyone involved. Glad have you back home Hank. I think you’ll have a lot to offer our current Pitt Panthers. Hail to Pitt!
A big double Yoi, ditto + back atcha Hank…!
oh, 10 yrs NFL experience to boot… talk about selling the story of where he came from, and what Pitt did for him as a football player and a man!
All opinions on the DC hire here are valid, an observation to make, reflected in Chas’ other post and the patherlair article… is to look at the 3 defense coaching moves as a package and how they fit together…
…and one big area could be recruiting… and gee if Poteat can come close to wait the Penn State kid Engram is doing… triple yoi…!
Always felt he got the short shrift by the Stillers.
And is the last Pitt player to actually play for them. Yes Palko was on the roster but never played.
Poteat and the Panthers .,….on the Prowl !
Have said it before. Coach Chryst has a plan and he has a nice staff. Not huge names yet, but give them some time. I do see Inoke moving on this year or next, depending on recruiting successes this coming year.
To stay on point, welcome back Hank Poteat. I wish you well and hope your stay here in Pittsburgh lasts longer than your time as a player which means you and the team are successful! Good luck!
now
But he played the position at the highest level.
Great hire. Hiring Hank is money in the bank: he won’t tank: he’ll earn his rank: his players will crank: this choice don’t stank!
Do I see a pattern developing here?