When Dave Wannstedt was coach at Pitt, he got used to seeing a lot of unfamiliar faces around the Panthers’ football offices. In the offseason, he always was open to allowing high school and college coaches to visit his staff.



Wannstedt had gotten so used to seeing one of those visiting coaches that one day, he turned to defensive coordinator Paul Rhoads and asked: “Did we hire Jeff Hafley? Because every time I turn around, I’m bumping into him in the hallways or in the meetings.”



They hadn’t. Well, at least not yet. Hafley was in his mid-20s and the secondary coach at FCS member Albany. Everyone around the Panthers’ program liked him, so when Wannstedt had a GA opening in 2006, Hafley seemed an obvious choice. Wannstedt knew he was smart, hardworking and personable, making him an ideal fit for the staff. Hafley, a former Siena College wide receiver, became the Panthers’ secondary coach in 2008 and might’ve been their...