Former Great Danes in the News

University of Pittsburgh head football coach Dave Wannstedt announced today the promotion of Jeff Hafley to the position of secondary coach.

Hafley previously served as Pitt's defensive graduate assistant the past two seasons with a specific coaching focus on the cornerbacks. He replaces Chris Ball, who departed Pitt to join the Washington State staff as assistant head coach and co-defensive coordinator.

"Jeff Hafley is an outstanding young coach who is highly driven and ready for this opportunity," Wannstedt said. "Jeff played a vital role in our weekly defensive planning this past year. His knowledge, organizational skills and rapport with our players and staff have made him a tremendous asset for Pitt."

As a member of Pitt's defensive staff, Hafley helped the Panthers rank fifth nationally and first in the Big East in total defense, yielding just 297.67 yards per game. The Panthers also earned lofty national rankings in pass defense (third, 167.25 yards/game), sacks (20th, 2.92 sacks/game), pass efficiency defense (26th, 113.96 rating) and rush defense (33rd, 130.42 yards/game).

"I am extremely excited and appreciative of this great opportunity to become the secondary coach at the University of Pittsburgh," Hafley said. "It is an honor to work for a great person and head coach in Dave Wannstedt. Our program has an incredibly bright future under his leadership. I'm very proud to be on Coach Wannstedt's staff and be part of this outstanding university."

Prior to Pitt, Hafley served at the University of Albany for four seasons (2002-05), including his final two as defensive backs coach and recruiting coordinator. In his initial two years Hafley was a graduate assistant who coached Albany's defensive tackles and outside linebackers.

Hafley earned his master's from Albany in 2003.

While at Albany, Hafley oversaw the development of cornerback/roverback Kurt Campbell, who went on to become the only player in school history to be selected in the NFL Draft. Campbell was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 2005 and spent last season with the Tennessee Titans.

Courtesy: U of P, Danefan