Arkansas offensive coordinator leaving

University of Central Missouri graduate

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Jim Chaney is leaving Arkansas just as the program appears to have returned to Southeastern Conference relevance.

The offensive coordinator, known for his dynamic passing offenses at schools such as Purdue and Tennessee, has left the Razorbacks to accept the same position at Pittsburgh, a person familiar with the decision told said Sunday night.

The move was first reported by Sports Illustrated.

Chaney, a University of Central Missouri graduate, who turns 53 today, joins longtime Michigan State defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi - who was hired as Pittsburgh's head coach after Paul Chryst left to take the Wisconsin job.

While at Arkansas the last two seasons, Chaney also coached Arkansas' quarterbacks under head coach Bret Bielema.

Arkansas averaged 31.9 points in its second season under Chaney, up from 20.7 in his first season in 2013. The Razorbacks also jumped from 99th to 60th nationally in total offense this season, increasing their yards per game from an average of 357.2 to 406.

Chaney was heading into the final year of a three-year, $550,000 annual contract with the Razorbacks. The school signed defensive coordinator Robb Smith to a three-year contract last week, at which time it said a new deal for Chaney was being finalized.

However, Chaney - who has also coached in the NFL with the St. Louis Rams - has elected to split from what has long appeared an odd mix with the balanced offensive approach of Bielema.