Pitt Football News

8-9-06

Pitt's Junko Takes Leave of Daily Duties

PITTSBURGH-Pitt assistant head coach Bob Junko will take leave of his on-the-field responsibilities in order to continue his recovery from off-season heart surgery, Head Coach Dave Wannstedt announced today.

Junko underwent surgery in February and was working in a limited fashion the past six months. Although he will step away from day-to-day coaching, Junko will continue to serve in administrative capacities.

"I feel fortunate to say that I've made great strides in my recovery since the surgery," Junko said. "However, I felt my family and our football program would be best served if I stepped away from daily coaching duties and continued to focus on mending fully."

"Bob's health is top priority right now and we support any decision that will ensure his continued improvement," Wannstedt said.

To fill the on-the-field coaching vacancy, Wannstedt has appointed Charlie Taaffe (pronounced taff) as a replacement coach. Taaffe, a 29-year coaching veteran, most recently served at Maryland.

"We were fortunate to be able to gain the services of a highly knowledgeable coach in Charlie Taaffe on such short notice," Wannstedt said.

"I'm excited about the opportunity to contribute to the University of Pittsburgh's football program and help Coach Wannstedt build Pitt to the level of prominence it is accustomed to," Taaffe said. "There is a real excitement and anticipation here and I'm glad to be part of it."

Taaffe was Maryland's offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach from 2001-05. Prior to Maryland, he served as the head coach of the Montreal Alouettes in the Canadian Football League (1999-2000) and The Citadel (1987-96). Taaffe additionally held collegiate assistant coaching positions at Army (1981-86), Virginia (1976-80) and Albany (1973). He was a graduate assistant at NC State (1975) and Georgia Tech (1974).