The pipeline from the Florida International Panthers to the Pitt Panthers continues to grow stronger.
Nearly three weeks after Pitt’s Pat Narduzzi hired Florida International’s Josh Conklin as the program’s new defensive coordinator, Florida International found their new defensive coordinator among the remnants of Pitt’s previous coaching staff.
Matt House, who served as Pittsburgh’s defensive coordinator under Paul Chryst, will assume the same role under Ron Turner at Florida International University.
“We are very fortunate to have Matt House as our defensive coordinator,” Turner said in a statement. “We are familiar with what he does, having played Pittsburgh last season, having schemed and scouted his defense. He’s a very sound, very thorough and very impressive coach. He will be a great fit for our staff. We are excited about our defense and believe that Coach House will take them to another level.”
After taking over as Pitt’s defensive coordinator in 2013, the Panthers presented one of the nation’s most aggressive defensive fronts and ranked 34th or better during each campaign.
In fact, Pitt finished just slightly ahead of Florida International in total defensive last season. Conklin’s Panthers finished 35th overall in total defense and gave up four more yards per game.
House leaves one good situation for another, and he’s excited about the opportunity.
“I’m excited to be the defensive coordinator at FIU,” House said. “I’m excited with what Coach Turner and his staff are doing here and the direction that the program is going in. This is a young team. And, the defensive unit is growing and getting better every day. I look forward to being part of the process and helping the defense continue to grow.”
(Photo courtesy of Florida International athletic department)
