Offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti is off to Rutgers, according to the Post-Gazette.
According to multiple sources at both Pitt and Rutgers, the Panthers' offensive signal-caller is headed east to New Jersey to join Jeff Hafley. That move is apparently contingent upon Cignetti getting an interview as head coach at Pitt:
Pitt offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti is likely to be named to a similar position at Rutgers according to multiple sources around both programs.
One source close to Cignetti told the Post-Gazette it is "very close to done" and said the only thing which could delay it is if Cignetti were to get an interview for the Pitt head coaching position.
The Post-Gazette cites Cignetti's lack of experience as a head coach as the reason he likely won't get that interview. If he doesn't, I don't know if that's the reason, though. With Chancellor Nordenberg's statement that Pitt will expand its coaching search, I expect that some coordiantors without head coaching experience will be interviewed. If Cignetti doesn't get a look, I'm guessing it's because Pitt has simply ruled him, not all coordinators, out.
But back to Rutgers. This is the definition of a lateral move. If Cignetti leaves, he's got to have some bad feelings about not even being interviewed for the Pitt job. It would have been really hard for him to stick around.
Tight ends coach Brian Angelichio is the beneficiary of Cignetti leaving as he'll get the offensive playcalling duties for the bowl game if Cignetti is no longer around.
