When he was introduced as LSU's full-time head coach, Ed Orgeron promised to secure some of the top assistants in the country to be his coordinators. The first step was locking down defensive coordinator Dave Aranda, already on staff, with a new contract and an associate head coach title. The search for an offensive coordinator has taken longer, but concluded on Wednesday with the hiring of Pittsburgh's Matt Canada.

"When I first sat down with Joe Alleva and we mapped out a plan for LSU football, we agreed that we were going to demand excellence on both sides of the ball," Orgeron said. "We want a defense that's impenetrable and an offense that's exciting and unstoppable. Anyone who wants to play football at the highest levels is going to want to play at LSU."

Alleva and Orgeron said in an official statement that Canada, who will serve as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, "fits their plan exactly."

The Advocate's Ross Dellenger reports that Canada has agreed to a three-year deal "at more than $1 million per year."

"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. I'm thrilled to be a part of the vision for the program."

The Advocate described LSU's offensive coordinator search as being in "wait and see mode" while Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin pursued head coaching gigs. Once Kiffin landed with Florida Atlantic, Orgeron and LSU quickly moved on to convincing Canada to leave Pitt, where he was hired just one year ago after being let go by NC State coach Dave Doeren.

Canada was the only offensive coach among the Broyles Award finalists, an honor given to the top assistant in the country. His arrival and the gifted set of skill talent on hand in Pittsburgh resulted in the highest-scoring offense in school history; the Panthers averaged 42.3 points per game this season.

Pittsburgh announced that Canada would remain on staff through the team's appearance in the Pinstripe Bowl against Northwestern. For Pat Narduzzi, Canada's exit means another offensive coordinator hire after losing Jim Chaney to Georgia last season.

"On behalf of our entire program, I want to thank Matt for his many important contributions, on and off the field, this past year," Narduzzi said. "It was important that Matt remain with our team through the bowl game and he had no hesitation about that. He wants to send this team, and especially our seniors, out the right way. Our search for a new offensive coordinator will fully begin after the bowl. Our primary focus is on a successful completion to the 2016 season.

"When you hire great people and have success, your staff will always be in demand. I'm confident we will find another outstanding person and professional to continue our momentum."

Prior to Pitt and NC State, Canada was the offensive coordinator under Bret Bielema at Wisconsin for Montee Ball's Doak Walker Award-winning season.