Following up on reports from late last week, Pittsburgh has confirmed yet another hiring with a Wisconsin connection.
First-year head coach and former UW offensive coordinator Paul Chryst announced Monday afternoon that he has hired Brooks Bollinger as his quarterbacks coach and Desmond Robinson as running backs coach.
Chryst is somewhat familiar with Bollinger, who was in his final season as the Badgers’ quarterback during Chryst’s first season as a UW assistant.
“Brooks knows firsthand the mental and physical preparation needed for successful quarterback play,” Chryst said. “He was a consummate leader for us at Wisconsin before going on to pro football, and those experiences are going to be assets for our players and staff.”
Bollinger concluded his professional playing career in 2009, and spent last season as the head coach at a Minnesota high school.
Robinson, on the other hand returns to his alma mater with nearly 30 years of coaching experience. After his playing career as a Panthers linebacker/defensive end ended in 1978, Robinson coached on staffs at Notre Dame, West Virginia, Syracuse, Tulane, Dartmouth and UConn.
Robinson and Chryst previously worked together during the 1989 and ’90 seasons as assistants under Don Nehlen at West Virginia.
“Desmond’s Pitt ties and extensive coaching experience are going to be invaluable to our program on and off the field,” said Chryst. “He is an excellent teacher of the game and our running backs will greatly benefit from his guidance.”
With the two additions, Chryst’s first coaching staff at Pitt is now complete.
