First calls
Andrew Janocko
Background: Janocko is the current quarterbacks coach for the Chicago Bears. A Pitt alum, Janocko played four seasons for the Panthers as a backup quarterback from 2007 through 2010. He is most notably known for his infamous dropped extra point snap last in the fourth quarter in Pitt’s 45-44 loss to Cincinnati in 2009. The bulk of his coaching experience has come in the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings (2015–2021), serving multiple different offensive assistant roles.
Why: Janocko is young (35) and has been around some notable offensive minds such as Kevin Stefanski, P.J. Fleck and Norv Turner. Having played two seasons in Cignetti’s system at Pitt, Janocko’s familiarity will likely be able to usher a smooth transition into his offense. Janocko has experience coaching the offensive line, wide receivers and quarterbacks in the NFL. Pitt’s offensive coordinator role would give him his first opportunity to put that knowledge to use.
Why not: Janocko has only spent two seasons on a college staff: 2011 as a graduate assistant for Rutgers and 2014 as the quarterbacks coach at Mercyhurst. He has never worked in the college game during the NIL/transfer portal area, which is a major concern when it comes to recruiting. While his resume looks strong for someone his age, hiring an offensive coordinator who has never held that title elsewhere would be a significant gamble.
Andrew Janocko
Background: Janocko is the current quarterbacks coach for the Chicago Bears. A Pitt alum, Janocko played four seasons for the Panthers as a backup quarterback from 2007 through 2010. He is most notably known for his infamous dropped extra point snap last in the fourth quarter in Pitt’s 45-44 loss to Cincinnati in 2009. The bulk of his coaching experience has come in the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings (2015–2021), serving multiple different offensive assistant roles.
Why: Janocko is young (35) and has been around some notable offensive minds such as Kevin Stefanski, P.J. Fleck and Norv Turner. Having played two seasons in Cignetti’s system at Pitt, Janocko’s familiarity will likely be able to usher a smooth transition into his offense. Janocko has experience coaching the offensive line, wide receivers and quarterbacks in the NFL. Pitt’s offensive coordinator role would give him his first opportunity to put that knowledge to use.
Why not: Janocko has only spent two seasons on a college staff: 2011 as a graduate assistant for Rutgers and 2014 as the quarterbacks coach at Mercyhurst. He has never worked in the college game during the NIL/transfer portal area, which is a major concern when it comes to recruiting. While his resume looks strong for someone his age, hiring an offensive coordinator who has never held that title elsewhere would be a significant gamble.
