Pitt OC Canada hired by LSU,

Canada’s style is known for its balanced approach.

BATON ROUGE, LA. — LSU hired Pittsburgh offensive coordinator Matt Canada away from the Panthers in hopes he can make the Tigers’ run-heavy offense more dynamic and productive against some of the nation’s better defenses.

Canada’s unit averaged 42.3 points and 447.5 yards for Pitt, which went 8-4 this season and plays Northwestern in the Pinstripe Bowl on Dec. 28. Canada is expected to remain with the Panthers through that game.

Canada’s offenses have been defined by balance, creativity and misdirection. Of Pitt’s 5,370 total net yards of offense this season, 2,757 have come rushing and 2,613 passing.

The hiring of Canada marks the first significant staff addition made by LSU coach Ed Orgeron, who took over on an interim basis after Les Miles was fired in late September and received the job on a permanent basis after going 5-2.

Orgeron also has retained defensive coordinator Dave Aranda, whose unit allowed just 15.4 points per game.

“We have a real opportunity under coach Orgeron to propel LSU football to another level,” Canada said. “The chance to put together a high-powered offense with the athletic ability available at LSU and the leadership of Coach ‘O’ is incredibly exciting. I’ve long-respected Coach Orgeron’s ability to recruit, lead and motivate. What he did as head coach at LSU under difficult circumstances was really impressive.

“We’re going to develop quarterbacks, score points and bring some excitement to the offense here at LSU.”

Canada, who turns 45 next month, takes over for Steve Ensminger, who had moved up from tight ends coach on an interim basis after former coordinator Cam Cameron was fired with Miles.

Miles was fired after several seasons in which his quarterbacks, with the exception of Zach Mettenberger, largely struggled to produce consistently. The lack of a passing game has been exposed most during what is now a six-game losing streak against Alabama.

This season, LSU has averaged 238 yards rushing and only 188 passing.

Canada also has held offensive coordinator positions with Indiana, Northern Illinois, Wisconsin and North Carolina State.

NATE GUIDRY / AP Pittsburgh’s Matt Canada is expected to turn around LSU’s offense, which averaged 238 yards rushing and only 188 yards passing this season.