On February 18, 2009, Cignetti accepted a position as the offensive coordinator of the University of Pittsburgh football team under head coach Dave Wannstedt. In Cignetti's first season as Pittsburgh's play caller, the Panthers averaged 32.1 points per game, one of the top five scoring averages in school history. Pitt's offensive arsenal included a 1,700-yard rusher in RB Dion Lewis and 1,000-yard receiver in WR Jon Baldwin. In addition, QB Bill Stull ranked among the nation's most efficient passers, throwing for more than 2,600 yards and 21 touchdowns. In total, seven of Pitt's offensive players were named All-Big East, including Lewis, who was honored as the league's Offensive Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year.