Cignetti Sticks With Pitt

Frank Cignetti, we hardly knew ye.

After only recently emerging as a person of interest in the Bears on-going search for Ron Turner’s replacement, Cignetti said in a statement released by the University of Pittsburgh that he will remain that school’s offensive coordinator.

Here’s the statement: “My return to Pitt last year was the realization of a longtime personal and professional goal,” Cignetti said. “It was made even more gratifying by the outstanding season we enjoyed. I couldn’t be more fortunate to work for Dave Wannstedt and coach these great kids. Despite recent reports connecting my name with other jobs, I am wholeheartedly committed to being at Pitt and continuing to establish our program among the nation’s very best.”

The Bears released their own statement: “Ouch.”

Just kidding.

The Bears could still get the last laugh if they land the right guy and the offense is productive next season. Maybe Vikings quarterbacks’ coach Kevin Rogers, who interviewed with Lovie Smith at Halas Hall on Thursday, it that guy. But it will be difficult for the new hire to make the desired first impression when the search has thus far only reminded interviewees of how good they currently have it or how good another post looks by comparison.

Meanwhile, the search marches (slogs?) on …