Bearcats Elevate Offensive Staff: Cardwell, Thomas Named Co-Offensive Coordinators; Stingley Takes Over WR Room
Cincinnati’s offense was one of the most explosive units in the country last fall, and now the architects behind that success are getting a bigger say in how the Bearcats operate moving forward.
Head coach Scott Satterfield announced the promotion of offensive line coach Nic Cardwell and quarterbacks coach Pete Thomas to co-offensive coordinators, while Vijay Stingley will step into the wide receivers coach role after three seasons in support staff positions.
The timing makes sense. Cincinnati led the Big 12 in yards per play (6.90) and ranked ninth nationally in the same category-a clear sign that the offensive foundation is strong and still rising. These moves reflect a desire to double down on that momentum by empowering the coaches who’ve helped build it.
Nic Cardwell: The Trenches Technician Turned Play-Caller
Let’s start with Cardwell, who’s been Satterfield’s right-hand man for most of the past decade. A former tight end on Appalachian State’s FCS title teams, Cardwell has brought that championship pedigree to the Bearcats’ offensive line room-and it’s showing up in the numbers.
In 2025, Cincinnati allowed just eight sacks all season-second only to Army West Point, a team that barely throws the football. Add in the fact that they gave up only 43 tackles for loss (third nationally), and you’ve got one of the most efficient, disciplined O-lines in the country.
But it’s not just about protection. Cardwell has a track record of developing elite talent.
Evan Tengesdahl became his third All-American in as many years, following in the footsteps of Luke Kandra, a Queen City native who transferred from Louisville to play under Cardwell and Satterfield. Alongside Tengesdahl, both Joe Cotton and Taran Tyo earned All-Big 12 honors in 2025-and all three linemen announced in December that they’re coming back for 2026.
That kind of continuity up front is rare, and it speaks volumes about the culture Cardwell has built in the trenches.
“Our offensive line has set the tone for our team during my time here at Cincinnati,” Satterfield said. “From Nic's work the first two years to last year's group being among the nation's best by multiple metrics, he is very deserving of this expanded role."
Now, Cardwell will bring that same attention to detail and development to the broader offensive scheme.
Pete Thomas: Quarterback Whisperer on the Rise
If Cardwell’s strength is in the trenches, Thomas’ is in the pocket.
The former college quarterback-who started games at Colorado State, NC State, and Louisiana-Monroe before a stint in the arena league-has been instrumental in Cincinnati’s quarterback development. And the numbers don’t lie.
Brendan Sorsby made a massive leap under Thomas’ guidance. After a solid 2024 campaign that saw him throw for 18 touchdowns and add four more on the ground, Sorsby exploded in 2025, accounting for 36 total touchdowns-just one shy of the school record.
Thomas has a proven resume when it comes to dual-threat QBs. Back in his first season at Louisville, Malik Cunningham rushed for 1,000 yards-just the second quarterback in program history to do so. The next year, Cunningham joined an elite group of FBS players with 9,000 passing yards and 3,000 rushing yards in a career, finishing with a staggering 116 total touchdowns.
That kind of development doesn’t happen by accident. It’s a credit to Thomas’ ability to see the field like a quarterback and coach it like a strategist.
“As two former quarterbacks, I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Pete day in and day out for a long time now,” Satterfield said. “His player development skills and field vision have not gone unnoticed. I'm excited to watch he and Coach Cardwell build off each other."
With Thomas now officially in a coordinator role, expect Cincinnati’s quarterback play to keep trending upward.
Vijay Stingley: From Behind the Scenes to Center Stage
While Cardwell and Thomas step into larger roles, Vijay Stingley is getting his first shot as an on-field position coach, taking over the wide receivers room after three years in quality control and assistant roles.
And make no mistake-Stingley’s fingerprints were already on the Bearcats’ breakout passing attack in 2025.
Coming into the season, Cincinnati returned just three receptions from the previous year’s wide receiver group (all from Barry Jackson). That’s about as close to a clean slate as it gets. But under Stingley's guidance, the unit didn’t just survive-it thrived.
The Bearcats finished with the fifth-best passing offense in the Big 12, climbing three spots from the previous season. The breakout star? Cyrus Allen, who tied the school record with 13 touchdown catches-good for third nationally.
Stingley, who joined Satterfield’s staff in 2020 and is entering his fourth season with the Bearcats, clearly knows how to develop talent in a hurry. Now, he’ll have the title to match the impact.
What It All Means for Cincinnati
These promotions aren’t just about rewarding good work-they’re about continuity, chemistry, and building something sustainable. Cardwell and Thomas have already proven they can coach at a high level. Giving them the keys to the offense is a bet that they can take what’s working and elevate it even further.
Meanwhile, Stingley’s rise shows that Cincinnati is committed to developing its coaching talent the same way it develops its players-from within, with a clear vision and plan.
With a returning offensive line full of All-Big 12 talent, a quarterback coming off a record-setting season, and a wide receiver room that just found its rhythm, the Bearcats have the pieces in place. Now, they have the coaches who know how to put them together.
The Big 12 took notice of Cincinnati’s offense last season. With this staff locked in and leveled up, the Bearcats are making it clear: they’re just getting started.