When you’ve been on a job and lived in the same city for eight years, you’ve had plenty of time to get a feel for your neighbors. And when it comes to a Pitt head coach, your particular fan base.
That’s one of the reasons I just can’t truly figure out Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi.
For anyone that’s followed Pittsburgh Sports Now for a while, you know that I’ve not always been the biggest fan of Narduzzi, but when it’s been appropriate to give him credit, I haven’t hesitated to do so and have done so a lot.
It’s pretty simple. I’m a straight shooter, I’m not a bullshitter and I always try and give you my honest opinion — even if it’s not popular. I live by the saying, ‘What’s popular isn’t always right and what’s right isn’t always popular.’
Probably one of the reasons I take issue with a lot of what Narduzzi does is because of the way he handles things and today’s press conference is a perfect example of that.
Following what happened Saturday night in Morgantown, W.Va., everyone knew that the quarterback situation was going to dominate the press conference. And not surprisingly, Narduzzi handled it like he always handles situations that aren’t positive in nature.
Narduzzi’s biggest problem, and it’s been this way since he was hired, is that he gets too defensive about legitimate questions and has no clue how to answer them. Instead of being honest, he constantly spews BS, most of which isn’t believable, and he thinks Pitt fans are going to buy it. After eight years, he still hasn’t realized that. Or maybe he just is too arrogant to care.
As I was getting this column together, Josh Yohe of The Athletic put out this tweet, which is something I think about a lot, especially the part about the ‘arrogant, petty, condescending,’ characteristics he’s had since arriving from East Lansing, Michigan since Day 1.
Anyway, here are some of the more questionable comments today from Narduzzi.
**”Again, I’m not a quarterback whisperer, I’m not a quarterback guru.” He then went on for the next few minutes babbling about Ben Roethlisberger back at Miami (Oh.) and completely went off topic in order to avoid answering the question.
**When asked about what is keeping him from making a change at quarterback and what’s Phil done to keep the job, Narduzzi said, “He’s a leader in the huddle. He’s a guy you trust. You’ve seen it every day.” Actually, no one has seen anything except a lot of bad incompletions, interceptions and a game plan that drawn up being afraid of their fifth-year senior throwing the football.
**When asked about who ultimately makes the decision to make a change and would he defer to Frank Cignetti, Jr. — “I told you already, I’m leaning on Frank and the offensive staff to make the right decision and make decisions at every position.” LOL. Narduzzi is the CEO of this program and he and only he will make every meaningful decision. It’s complete BS that he will rely on Cignetti. If Narduzzi wants a different starting quarterback, there will be a new starting quarterback. That’s just passing the buck.
**When asked about Phil’s psyche going into this game after having two rough games and the boos — “Who were they booing? I think they were booing me, just so we’re on the same page. Did they say boo Phil or boo Coach? Like there were boos, so I don’t know who they were at. At least from what I hear, because I don’t hear those things with my headphones on, and I’m not sure our kids really do, either. I’m sure someone said something to him or to me or whatever and said there was boos. I think there were boos in the first game someone said, correct? We’re in Boo City. Boo City, PA … But hey, it is what it is. If that’s what they want to do, that’s great. Should not affect us or our psyche.”
Fans of Pitt football aren’t blind or stupid. They’ve watched three weeks of below average play from their quarterback. Are there factors as to why he’s struggling? Of course. But the bottom line is that Jurkovec isn’t a freshman or a first-year starter, which is what he’s looked like.
If Narduzzi wanted to give a real honest answer, one without BS and one that fans would believe in and support, he’d have said things like:
“The expectations for Pitt football are high, as they should be, and to be blunt, the play of our quarterback and of our offense hasn’t been good enough. That needs to change or we’re going to be seeing changes in things we’re doing and who’s doing them.”
“We have enough talent on this team for us to be performing better than we are. I’m a loyal person and coach, but I’m also paid to win games and I’ll make whatever changes are needed for us to do that. If and when that time comes, I’ll be the person making those decisions. I make a lot of money to do so.”
” As far as the boos go, that comes with the territory, and we all know that. Phil is from Pittsburgh and more than anyone knows the pressure that comes with being a quarterback in this town. He knows that if he plays better, those same people will be cheering him.”
Conference play hasn’t started so there’s plenty of time to turn around this season. However, things need to change and tough decisions could be needed.
Honesty will needed and no BS should be tolerated. It needs to start with the head coach.
Lou Holtz, “If everyone examined themselves like they do ND football the world would be a better place”.
Yeah Narduzzi is a blowhard.He actually thinks by spewing all his crap that he’s doing Jurkovec a favor.When in reality.He’s only making it worse.The fanbase is seething right now.I know I am.Not only about the QB play.Play calling has been abyssmal.Personnel decisions have been mindboggling.This season is a disaster already and Narduzzi just keeps piling it on..He’s learned nothing from last year with his handling of Slovis.If he wants to do Jurkovec a favor.He’d sit him for this game and turn to Veiluex(sp)..Because he’s going to get booed the second he steps on that field.He won’t even have to throw… Read more »
Where’s all these deep balls we heard baout all preseason camp?
Well said.
“Gonna have to look at the tape”. of this presser to decide if it’s B.S.
Damn this article is so freaking good. Vuk you’ve been on fire!!! We need someone to really put the pressure on this dude. He said he spends 85% of the time on the defensive side of the ball??? WTF dude you’re the head coach you’re not the DC anymore. We were finally turning the perception of this program around.
He is Him
He does seem petty at times, but his players seem to like him, so he can’t be all bad.
No they don’t go chat with them. Why do you think so many players leave early and transfer good players too.
Things looked bad after losses to Georgia tech and Louisville last year and they turned it around to end the year ranked. Pitt has had a really good run of football the past 4 years and I’m not jumping ship after 2 losses.
It’s not about the two losses as much as it’s about ‘how’ they lost — and how unprofessional the head coach is in communicating honestly, and transparently, to the fan base (who are the ones that ultimately pay him his $6mil per year, or whatever his exorbitant compensation is).
I agree with everything that was written. Narduzzi is great at calling out other programs for reasons that can be considered his ego. Remember PSU, USC, Colorado, North Carolina, Utah, the entire Big 10 and Slovis at BYU. Five of those schools are in the top 25 plus BYU in the second tier. How can someone so insightful at pointing out flaws of the top programs not able to to assess his own team. Maybe he understands his team’s flaws but is to stubborn to admit he needs to change
Extremely well put.
DNAPITT
DNAPITT
Does anyone feel like Nard’s is positioning for a buyout?
MSU would pay the buyout
You should take a look at Capel with the same lens. In eight years with a roster 7 times the size Narduzzi has zero felons. And a winning record.
ACC 2023 Coach of the year. Still trying to get him fired?
I have no doubt he’ll get himself fired skippy. That buyout is dropping
The guy is an a racist fool, he knows nothing about basketball.
I wouldn’t consider Capel a racist, just a shitty coach (see what I did there, clown?)
“An racist fool”? LOL
Narduzzi is betraying the guts he recruited by blind loyalty to con man Cignetti.
Coach Capel started at Pitt with much less than Narduzzi. Having fewer players only makes basketball more difficult. A coach can’t afford to miss on a recruit. Your comparing football coaching to basketball coaching exposes your ignorance. You are a blatant racist as well.
Well genius. No one compared the two. I merely pointed out that Capel has recruited 3 felons to Narduzzis none (true) Despite football having 7 times as many participants. Also true. And Narduzzis won lost record is vastly superior. Also true. Your lack of reading comprehension exposes your ignorance. As does relying on the race card. It’s such a convenient fallback when the facts don’t suit the narrative
It never fails. Anytime a minority coach gets criticized, it’s automatically due to racism. People are really getting tired of the act. Chapel is not a good coach. Sure he inherited a dumpster fire at Pitt. Ok what happened at Oklahoma? At VCU? He has a mediocre record. Has 1 good year at Pitt. If he doesn’t make a deep run in the tournament this year, he should have his bags packed. Now go ahead and call me a racist for stating facts. As for the Duzz, he ran off an OC who helped him win an ACC championship and… Read more »
Narduzzi thinks all Pitt fans are stupid!!
Nate Yarnell has deserved better treatment after twice coming to Pitts aid, especially against UCLA! IT’S nonsense to bring in transfers and expect them to be loyal (none has proven other than their ego).
Pitt’s staff readies them for the NFL, that’s why the portal travelers come to Pitt. Putt recruited excellent quarterbacks, and that’s where the attention needs to be given! I’m questionable about the quarterback coach. He’s not that good! (Special maybe, but not extraordinary)
I think many of Pitt’s recent transfers have come to Pitt for the right reasons. MJ Devinshire. McMillon, Davis, are great additions from the WPIAL. What I don’t understand is why Narduzzi is infatuated with QB transfers. Is it that he doesn’t trust his staffs ability to recruit HS QB’s or their lack of ability to develop his young QB’s.
No too recruit qb will come to Pitt until Cig is gone
They transferred baci because they couldn’t get reps in the SEC (Devonshire might be the exception)
Yarnell didn’t play against UCLA. It was Patti
Nick Patti is the QB hero in the Bowl game versus UCLA, not Yarnell. Otherwise, I agree with all that you have pointed out.
Speaking of Baloney, dude in Colorado and his Baloney is 3-0. Another one of Narduzzi Baloney calls was PSU laying down to slow Iowa offense. I’ve witnessed some diving by Narduzzi’s DTs for several games and on three or four occasions Saturday. Go back and watch Wake Forest ACC championship and Peach Bowl, some fake injuries for certain.
What I like is PITT plays tough competition out of conference, credit it them for that folks. Look around not too many doing that right now 3 out 4 non-conference against P5. Others are playing FCS, G5 competition.
This is worse than Tino Sunseri at QB…and guess who he had as an OC for 2 years…Cignetti. Frank Cignetti has single handedly ruined Pitt football for 4 years of my fandom (2009-2010 & 2022 to present). PLEASE don’t let this happen any more!! He must be a really nice guy because he is a terrible OC and has proven it again and again. This is not the hill Narduzzi should die on, but he is ultimately responsible for what is currently happening. If he doesn’t do anything about it, he should go…and I don’t want that. I remember how… Read more »
This is worse than Tino Sunseri at QB…and guess who he had as an OC for 2 years…Cignetti. Frank Cignetti has single handedly ruined Pitt football for 4 years of my fandom (2009-2010 & 2022 to present). PLEASE don’t let this happen any more!! He must be a really nice guy because he is a terrible OC and has proven it again and again. This is not the hill Narduzzi should die on, but he is ultimately responsible for what is currently happening. If he doesn’t do anything about it, he should go…and I don’t want that. I remember how… Read more »
Exactly,well said Mike
This is pats personality. He like this when he’s winning and he’s like this when he’s losing… He’s not going to change who he is or his team….
It’s not his team Jane. It is the university’s team. And it is supported by fans and boosters.
The players on the team have dreams, families, moms, dada, etc. Pat puts is con man Cignetti above the dreams and welfare of his players.
At the end of the day, this is Pat Narduzzi team, through failure, and through success.. Yes it’s frustrating and yes, the starting quarterback has gone brain dead. But at the end of the day, it’s his decision to sink or swim.
It’s not his team Jane. It is the university’s team. And it is supported by fans and boosters.
The players on the team have dreams, families, moms, dads, etc. Pat puts is con man Cignetti above the dreams and welfare of his players.
Does he not realize that 1-11 is on the table without major changes?
I travel a distance to get to a home game yearly. I love the city. This year I’m going to the FSU game. I paid good money hoping Pitt could upset them. The Jurk gives zero chance of winning He is a defeated man. The last two games are a low for Duzi. Awful coaching is insult to injury to Phil’s incompetent play. Just poor coaching. A bad joke. Saban and Dabo can swap out QBs. Why not you Duzi? I guess you are aware of how others do it – you can change. By the way, if this keeps… Read more »
Remember Narduzzi is a low IQ guy. If he was not a football coach he would be a meat cutter for Cousin Falco’s meat emporium. He would be a small time bookie, too running numbers for the Mancusos. Instead of being a leader he is letting a zombie make the decisions for him.
Still like Narduzzi. Like where he has brought the program. Whether I agree with him or not about how bad the quarterback has played doesn’t matter. I appreciate him and The Pitt athletic department and the athletic director and the basketball coach for that matter. I will be at the North Carolina game. I feel Narduzzi will have them prepared. H2P!!!! The students better not listen to you….. Again coach Narduzzi- no one thinks you can beat North Carolina: make sure they remember the night they play the Panthers!!
What bothers me the most is being loyal to a player who has played for 3 different teams in 5 years. This is an oxymoron of biblical proportions.
This is going to be unpopular, but I’m not sure I would have benched him against WVU either. Maybe for a drive or two… maybe. But, that was a game, if there ever was one, to see if he could snap out of it and be the hero and win. He is the Pittsburgh guy playing against rivals WVU. That was his chance to prove something. While it is a rivalry and it sucks to lose, it is still non-conference and I probably would have given him the entire game to prove himself too. That being said, he should have… Read more »
Narduzzi’s spewage is pure arrogance. Can you imagine bringing this Pitt team to University Park in front of 110,000 PSU fans!
Better stay at your own stadium. When you have those yellow outs, the empty seats don’t boo
joke of a press conference. he was saying they need to practice more throw under duress b/c games aren’t perfect conditions, like it was a new idea to him. even if he pull phil and puts in cv, i don’t trust cignetti to know how to coach up cv during the season and i think cignetti will make cv’s life harder, not easier.
i like narduzzi but you’re right, you can tell when he gets a legit question he’s deer in headlights and goes off-topic or waves his hands to deflect.
Well, leading the team in the huddle is great, but it’s what happens after the huddle breaks that is the most important. So far, the QB performance has been abysmal. Sure the O line has not been great either, but I bet if Jurkovic had to give himself a grade it would not be good- D- or F. Remember, he transferred to an ACC school to get the exposure. He needs to perform better, or be replaced.
C’mon Pat, as Herm said you play to win the game. You can look at all the film you want after the fact but the bottom line is that he wasn’t performing to the level you need to win that night. Like in baseball when you don’t have your stuff you get taken out. Now that may mean you lose you job in the rotation but maybe not. You are there to win.
Perfectly stated!
This is VERY…. VERY……SIMPLE Coach Narduzzi, Re-Watch The Films from The Cinci + WV game. Is Jerk-O-Vich gonna Lead this Team to A Winning Record !?
*N O F’n Way!
*I’m Totally Embarrassed To be A Pitt Fan……I Thought Tino Sunseri Was The WORST EVER,until I saw Jerk-O-Vich play.
*MY FAMILY + I ARE NOT GOING TO ANYMORE GAMES UNTIL HE SWITCHES THE Q B ! 🙁 🙁 🙁
He’s out of control on the microphone 🎤 always has been. He’s outclassed by top tier head coaches and it shows. Need proof? Go to YouTube and listen to Mack Brown’s press conference then listen to Narduzzi’s.
There are many coaches who are much better suited to be a coordinator and not a head coach. Duzz follows the Rex Ryan, Manny Diaz, Todd Bowles, Dan Mullen, Bobby Petrino….the list goes on and on. Duzz even talks like a DC, not even involved in offensive gameplans. The ceiling is hit, Duzz can’t recruit and will never give you more than 8 wins (unless Pickett re-enrolls)