Good mention on Sims, Scarlet. It will be interesting. I think Simms is more of an X's and O's & he was very active on the field during games. I am not sure he has as much responsibility at Pitt & not sure he is much of a strategist. I will tell you one thing ...Shane Montgomery is a quality strategist. Now that he is here .. Carl Pelini is one he!! of a coach as well.
IAA: From what I heard, Sims could break down the opponents game plan, but was held too much in check by the past two DC's as it went against their philosophy more than game plan. I don't think Sims ever had the responsibility at YSU to change the course of the defense. He certainly didn't keep fresh legs on the field and I heard him say that he was obligated to play the full scholarship kids first. Not sure what his reasoning was and he didn't elaborate. Narduzzi runs the show without a doubt just as Carl Pelini does; however, I believe Pitt has a much better supporting cast.
As far as Shane Montgomery being a quality strategist, I haven't been impressed, but I am not here to argue that point. I certainly hope you are correct in that observation! We had a few glimpses of a hurry up offense that seemed to work well compared to watching the game clock evaporate. New regime - New season.