GM JMHPhin spoke briefly to introduce new OC Joe Lombardi. JMHPhin presented the following bio to media prersent: "QB Drew Brees has thrived under Lombardi’s tutelage, the last three seasons, completing 1,279-of-1,829 passes (69.9%) for 14,484 with 113 touchdown passes and a 103.2 passer rating, The signal-caller has led the league in completions, yardage and scoring throws over this period Under Lombardi’s guidance in 2011, Brees enjoyed one of the most prolific seasons by a quarterback in NFL record books, as he completed 468-of-657 passes (71.2%) for 5,476 yards with 46 touchdowns and a 110.6 passer rating. Brees broke the NFL’s single-season passing yardage record that stood for 27 years, making him the only quarterback in NFL history to throw for 5,000 or more yards in two seasons. He also set the NFL mark for completions, 300-yard passing games (13) and exceeded the record for completion percentage that he originally set in 2009, as he was selected to his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl, sixth overall. In his previous position, he was heavily involved in the preparation of the quarterbacks and passing attack as well, having worked closely with offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr. Lombardi also stepped in for a brief stint as the running backs coach near the end of 2008. He arrived in New Orleans with extensive coaching experience on both sides of the ball, most recently serving as defensive assistant for the Atlanta Falcons in 2006. While in that role, Lombardi worked with a defensive line that combined for 25.5 sacks. Bringing game-planning and play-calling experience to his position, he was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach from 2002-05 at Mercyhurst College, also serving as recruiting coordinator. Lombardi coached tight ends and running backs for the New York/New Jersey Hitmen of the XFL. In 2000, he tutored the defensive line and served as strength & conditioning coordinator at Bucknell University. He coached both the tight ends and tackles at the Virginia Military Institute in 1999 after opening his coaching career at the University of Dayton, where he was responsible for the defensive line from 1996-98. The Flyers won 20-straight games during his tenure. Lombardi – the grandson of legendary coach Vince Lombardi – is a 1994 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, where he earned three letters as a tight end and one in lacrosse. Lombardi and his wife, Molly, have six children: sons Joseph, Thomas and Dominic and daughters Maria, Bernadette and Clare." JMHPhin states that in looking for a new OC what he wanted was someone with the background, the intelligence and drive, as well as someone with "new blood" that is someone that has been part of a successfull offense and has been instrumental in its success, yet hungry to take the reigns themselves. Someone who could also come in here and develop an offense around our core, but bring it into the new era. We feel Joe is that guy, he is ready and as part of the NO offensive team of coaches, brings innovation and big play ability to Pittsburgh.
