A man who spent close to 30 years representing the Pitt football program with honor and dignity is calling it quits.
Bob Junko, a man that is as respected as much as anyone throughout the Pitt Panther football family, announced today that he is retiring from college football.
Junko has worked at Pitt for 29 years in many different capacities, most recently as the Director of Player Development and High School Relations. He initially started at Pitt in1982 until 1985 as the defensive coordinator under Foge Fazio. Junko returned to Pitt in 1997 and worked for Walt Harris as the assistant head coach and as the defensive tackles coach.
During his coaching tenure, Junko coached standouts such as Hall of Famer Chris Doleman, Tim Lewis, Tom Flynn, Bill Mass and worked with 15 first-team All-Americans.
Head coach Pat Narduzzi made the announcement following today’s practice.
“Today was Coach Junko’s last practice,” said Narduzzi. “After 54 years, Coach Junko is retiring. Him and Judy are gonna ride off into the sunset.”
The 75-year-old was born in Washington, PA and later starred at Tulsa as a middle linebacker and in 1967 was named an honorable All-American.
Along with Pitt, Junko had coaching stints with Kent State (1995-96), Akron (1988-94), Northwestern (1986-87), TCU (1976-81) and Tulsa (1968-75).
In 2015, Junko was named an Honorary Letterwinner by the Pitt Varsity Letter Club.
Two of Junko’s grandsons are members of the Pitt football team: Joshua, a junior wide receiver, and Caleb, a sophomore specialist.
Congratulations on a well earned retirement.
Congratulations Coach Junko!