With the exception of certain Offensive Coordinators (Scot Loeffler), we really don’t know for sure how things will go. Matt Canada was a decent, but not outstanding OC. He was fired/scapegoated by NC State’s HC Dave Doereen, and seemingly ended up at Pitt because of his ties to HC Pat Narduzzi. Nothing about the hire screamed revolutionary, outstanding. At most it seemed like a decent fit, and wasn’t horrible.

Instead his schemes meshed perfectly with the players. The players took to it, and quite literally ran with it. Pitt’s offense went from slightly above average — with Tyler Boyd — to explosive. All while in a pro-style offense. He parlayed that into one becoming one of the highest paid assistants in college football, and a couple steps closer to becoming a head coach within a few years.

I also think back to the last decade when Dave Wannstedt had to hire a new OC to replace Matt Cavanaugh. The heavy, early favorite was Noel Mazzone.  Fans (including myself) did not respond well to the possibility, especially based on his track record. Mazzone was not hired — whether fan reaction played a role or not remains unknown — though it definitely didn’t help. He coached high school for a year before going to the PAC-12. A couple years with ASU, and then getting hired at UCLA where he was reinvented as an outstanding OC. So much so, that Texas A&M hired him away last year at a big salary.

Shawn Watson came with Charlie Strong to Texas from Louisville. His rep suffered fiercely in Texas, but prior to that he was considered an excellent OC. He runs a pro-style offense, despite rising to prominence with Teddy Bridgewater as the Louisville QB. So, the players on Pitt’s roster will fit better for what he wants to do.

Max Browne at QB should fit very well with Watson, much like Peterson meshed with Canada last year. Browne has a stronger arm, and is very eager to prove himself after losing his starting job at USC.

The pieces are still in place for a very good offense. Starting with Quadree Henderson doing a little bit of everything all over the field. Jester Weah will stretch the field vertically. The middle and slot should be more available for over-middle and underneath passes And behind an excellent offensive line, a stable of running backs led by Qadree Ollison should have Pitt able to pound teams regularly.

Not that there aren’t plenty of legitimate questions. For all the talk about the versatility of the O-line, is that more a reflection of mediocrity — with the exception of Brian O’Neill — on the line at each position? The same could be said of the running backs. After Weah and Henderson, will any of the receivers really start to make an impact? Mike Flanagan is a very good blocking tight end, but Chris Clark is a complete enigma after his transfers and injuries.

I don’t think Pitt’s offense will replicate last year’s explosiveness, but then I doubt it would have even if Matt Canada was still the OC. Heck, it should be very good. Just not record setting.