Yesterday rumors began flying that Wisconsin offensive coordinator Matt Canada was leaving to take the same role at NC State. Today those rumors became reality as NC State announced the hiring of Canada. He will join his friend and former boss at Northern Illinois, Dave Doeren.
"Matt Canada has one of the most creative offensive minds in the country and he does a great job of utilizing strengths and hiding weaknesses," said Doeren in a statement released by NC State. "I had the privilege to work with Matt when he was on the staff of our first conference championship team at Northern Illinois and to coach against him when he was the offensive coordinator at Indiana.
"Matt has had to run his offense with different personnel and has been successful each time. He will make the transition much easier for me. He's not only a tremendous quarterback coach who has developed quarterbacks into NFL players, but he has also developed the run game, as evidenced by Wisconsin's success rushing the ball this season."
Canada was at Wisconsin for just one season, but was able to find a mix that worked well. The Badgers rank 12th in rushing offense this season and his versatility was know to intrigue current UW AD Barry Alvarez.
"I am grateful to Dave for the opportunity to join him at NC State," said Canada in the statement. "It's a special place and I think the future is bright for the program. I am excited to meet and begin working with our players."
Wisconsin will now have to replace both their offensive and defensive coordinators as well as wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni. They could well lose upwards of at least three more assistants before this coaching search plays itself out.
Not exactly a great start to the day from a Badgers perspective, huh?
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