Matt Cavanaugh

For the American actor, see Matt Cavenaugh.

Matt Cavanaugh

No. 12, 6
Quarterback
Personal information
Date of birth: October 27, 1956 (1956-10-27)
Place of birth: Youngstown, Ohio
Career information
College: Pittsburgh
NFL Draft: 1978 / Round: 2 / Pick: 50
Debuted in 1978
Last played in 1991
Career history
Playing career New England Patriots (1978-1982) San Francisco 49ers (1983-1985) Philadelphia Eagles (1986-1989) New York Giants (1990-1991) Coaching career Pittsburgh Panthers (NCAA) (1992-1993) Arizona Cardinals (1994-1995) San Francisco 49ers (1996) Chicago Bears (1997-1998) Baltimore Ravens (1999-2004) Pittsburgh Panthers (NCAA) (2005-2008) New York Jets (2009-present)
Career highlights and awards
2× Super Bowl champion (XIX, XXV) Sugar Bowl MVP (1977)
TD-INT	28-30
Yards	4,332
QB Rating	71.7
Stats at NFL.com

Matthew Andrew Cavanaugh (born October 27, 1956) is a former American football quarterback in the NFL who played from 1978 to 1991. In the course of his career as a professional football player, he earned two Super Bowl rings. Since his retirement, Cavanaugh has worked as an offensive coach and coordinator, for teams including the San Francisco 49ers, the Chicago Bears, and the Baltimore Ravens.

On February 4, 2009, it was announced that Cavanaugh would leave his job as offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Panthers in order to take an Offensive Assistant Coaching position with the New York Jets.

Biography

Early career

Cavanaugh was born in Youngstown, Ohio, and attended Chaney High School. He was a football standout and went on to the University of Pittsburgh after graduating. In 1976, he was the starting quarterback for the undefeated Pittsburgh Panthers (he was on the same team with Tony Dorsett) and contributed to the team's National Championship 27–3 victory over Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. On that day, Cavanaugh was selected as the Sugar Bowl's Most Valuable Player.

Cavanaugh's performance was a surprise to many college football fans since Cavanaugh's Panther teammate, college rushing record setter Tony Dorsett, was the recipient of that season's Heisman Trophy.

Cavanaugh was also named MVP of the 1977 Gator Bowl, throwing four touchdown passes in a 34–3 win over Clemson.

NFL playing career and beyond

His professional playing career included stints with the New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, and New York Giants. Cavanaugh played backup quarterback in both the 1984 Super Bowl XIX and the 1990 Super Bowl XXV.

Cavanaugh retired as a professional player following the 1991 season, with close to 5,000 total yards and 30 touchdown throws. Since his retirement, he has served in the following positions: chief recruiter and offensive coach, University of Pittsburgh (1992–1993); offensive coach, Arizona Cardinals (1994–1995); offensive coach, San Francisco 49ers (1996); offensive coordinator, Chicago Bears (1997–1998); and offensive coordinator, Baltimore Ravens (1999–2004). Cavanaugh served as offensive coordinator for his old college team, the University of Pittsburgh Panthers, until 2008 when he accepted a position as Assistant Coach/Quarterbacks Coach with the New York Jets.

External links

• Cavanaugh takes New York Jets Job
• Pittsburgh Post-Gazette story on Cavanaugh
• Pitt Panthers coaches bio on Cavanaugh

Preceded by Bob Haygood	Pitt starting quarterback 1976-1977	Succeeded by Rick Trocano
Preceded by Ron Turner	Chicago Bears offensive coordinator 1997–1998	Succeeded by Gary Crowton
Preceded by none	Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator 1999-2004	Succeeded by Jim Fassel
Preceded by Walt Harris	Pitt Panthers offensive coordinator 2005-2008	Succeeded by Frank Cignetti, Jr.
Preceded by Brian Daboll	New York Jets quarterback coach 2009-Present	Succeeded by incumbent