Pat Narduzzi Signs Long-Term Contract Extension With Pitt

Pat Narduzzi will be patrolling the sidelines as head coach of the Pitt Panther football program for many years to come.

Following the school’s first ACC Championship and after years of speculation about his job status and his possible interest in other programs, the two sides showed a huge commitment to each other as Narduzzi signed a contract extension through at least the 2030 season.

Through his first seven seasons at Pitt, Narduzzi has compiled a record of 53-37 and won two Coastal Division Championships. The 53 wins make Narduzzi the fourth-winningest coach in Pitt football history.

Following the news, the athletic department released statements from both Narduzzi and Pitt athletic director Heather Lyke.

“I love Pitt football and the University of Pittsburgh,” Narduzzi said. “Pitt is truly home for my family and me. We are proud to represent this outstanding university and live in this tremendous city. I am so appreciative of our players, coaches and staff. Nothing great can be accomplished without their efforts and commitment. I’ve always talked about the importance of pushing together in the same direction. We have that at Pitt across the board.

“”That’s why it was such a special moment down in Charlotte to hand that ACC championship trophy to Chancellor Patrick Gallagher and Heather Lyke, our athletic director. Their support and belief in what our football program can achieve has been vital. They are fully committed to the success of our student-athletes in every respect—academically, athletically and personally. It shows why Pitt is such a special place.

“Our goal is to bring more championships back to Pitt. I can’t wait to lead this team into the 2022 season, starting with our nationally televised opener against West Virginia.”

“Our ACC championship season was the result of a strong culture and foundation that Pat Narduzzi has tirelessly built for Pitt football,” Lyke said. “That foundation has our program positioned for sustained success well into the future. Continuity of leadership, especially outstanding leadership like Coach Narduzzi and his staff have provided, has been integral to our program’s rise. We know that we are poised for even more history-making moments in the years to come with Coach Narduzzi on our sideline.”

Narduzzi and Pitt’s magical 2021 season included 11 wins — their most since 1981, their first ACC Conference Title and a No. 12 finish in the final College Football Playoff ratings, their highest ever.

Pitt opens the 2022 season on Thursday, September 1 when they host West Virginia. The game will be televised on ESPN.