Never mind the idea of SU football loosing George McDonald’s recruiting connections. The Orange might lose its most important recruiting asset on the defensive side.
93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh reported Sunday afternoon Syracuse assistant head coach and defensive line coach Tim Daoust is being targeted by newly appointed Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi to become the Panthers’ new defensive coordinator. Narduzzi and Daoust worked together on the Cincinnati coaching staff back in 2005. Narduzzi was DC for the Bearcats at the time and Daoust was a graduate assistant.
The Fan’s report states Narduzzi is unlikely to retain Pitt’s current DC Matt House. If Daoust leaves SU for Pitt, it’ll be a huge blow. Remember in 2013, he kept the defensive line in check to not allow a 100-yard rusher. He also mentored 2013 All-ACC selection Jay Bromley. Daoust even coached New England Patriots defensive end and rising star Chandler Jones in 2012. That’s just in recent memory on the field.
What could really hurt is losing Daoust’s recruiting ability. He’s been a vital part of SU’s recruiting efforts in recent seasons. Daoust was key in landing ASA’s Wayne Williams in 2013. Just last year he helped snag Kayton Samuels and Chris Slayton. Unfortunately Jalen Harvey is transferring but he too was a Daoust prize.
Daoust ranks up there with linebackers coach Clark Lea and “The Mailman” McDonald in terms of reliable sources in building the football program back up. Now you consider both he and McDonald could both be out the door. That is a scary thought.
Daoust obviously has to consider what’s best for his career. A defensive coordinator role with a storied program like Pittsburgh is tough to pass up, especially since he already has a relationship with Narduzzi.
I’m not so sure if head coach Scott Shafer can sway Daoust out of this one. Losing an assistant to another team in the same conference would certainly frustrate the head man. Then again, Shafer and Daoust go way back. When Daoust was hired in 2011, The Fizz suggested he would be next after Shafer at defensive coordinator.
Daoust’s bright, young mind is most valuable no question. He connects well with young players, particularly the high schoolers the Orange eyes on the recruiting front. With National Signing Day just about a month away, Syracuse better hope its defensive line coach sticks around. Daoust on Pitt’s staff would just flat out burn.
Posted:  Brendan Glasheen
