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Pitt HC Pat Narduzzi Talks Future of Kade Bell, Eli Holstein in Pittsburgh

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Pitt quarterback Eli Holstein

Pitt is 5-0 for the first time since 1991, looking to improve to 6-0 for the first time since 1982, and Pat Narduzzi is living in the moment.

But during a radio appearance with Andrew Filipponi and Chris Mueller on 93.7 the Fan Thursday, he looked toward the future, a future in which both offensive coordinator Kade Bell and star quarterback Eli Holstein remain in Pittsburgh next season — and beyond.

Narduzzi was asked about keeping Holstein — and Bell — in Pittsburgh next season, with the uncertainty in college football and money that’s flashed by major programs, and he said that Pitt is going to take care of Holstein.

“Well, we don’t have to deal with it in the season, maybe he has to, I think he’s pretty level-headed,” Narduzzi said. “He knows what’s there in front of him. I think he knows Pitt’s gonna take care of him; I haven’t had that conversation with him. Pitt has the ability to take care of him, this new House settlement obviously will help, but the quarterback’s the most critical player of the football team, so we’re obviously going to take care of him.”

Holstein transferred to Pitt from Alabama over the offseason, after one season as the Crimson Tide’s scout team quarterback, and he’s been a radical success. In five games this season, earning five ACC Rookie of the Week honors, he’s completed 113-of-172 pass attempts (65.7%) for 1,567 yards with 15 touchdowns and three interceptions — adding 265 yards and three touchdowns on the ground.

Holstein is a redshirt freshman who has played five games in his college career, but he’s been one of the best quarterbacks in college football since making his debut against Kent State. He has three seasons of eligibility remaining after this season, which is a lifetime in today’s college football.

It isn’t surprising that Holstein has been linked to opportunities in the transfer portal, but Narduzzi isn’t worried. The grass isn’t always greener.

“Eli’s found a great niche here,” Narduzzi said. “I think it comes down to: are you happy or not? And I always relate everything to happiness. A couple of weeks ago, did an interview just talking about happiness as a coach and I turned down a lot of money, a lot of head coaching jobs, to stay at Michigan State as the defensive coordinator because I was happy … To me, I think Eli and his family are smart enough to know, hey, listen, him and Kade Bell work really good together. He likes how he calls the game and those are all great things. He can win a Heisman Trophy from here, he can win a national championship from here, all those things.

“But you can think it’s all about you, it’s all you and you go somewhere else, and all the sudden go from being good to not being very productive. So, I think when you have a good thing going, I think people are smart enough to figure that out.”

Narduzzi said it would be one thing if Holstein and Bell weren’t getting along, if there was a rift in their work together, but that doesn’t appear to be the case. And of course, he hyped up life in Pittsburgh.

“The city of Pittsburgh is a great place to play, it’s a great place to live, it’s an unbelievable place to get an education and again, on top of all that, if you have a good culture and your team gets along, and you like who you’re playing with, that’s probably the most important thing in the world,” Narduzzi said. “We can be .500 right now but if you’re happy with where you are, be careful what you wish for.”

Holstein and Bell came in at just about the same time, about a month apart, and the relationship has been the biggest factor in Pitt bouncing back.

“I think those two together — Kade has a good thing going here,” Narduzzi said. “He’s got Eli and you’d be crazy to pass that up, but the great thing about coach Bell is he’s got a contract. And Eli doesn’t really have a contract, the transfer portal is wide open, people sometimes try to compare a coach with a player and say if coaches can do it, players can. But there would be a hefty buyout and all those things.”

But while nothing is ever certain, Narduzzi isn’t worried about what could be. He’s focused on this season, as are Bell and Holstein, and he’s enjoying the moment. He’s focused on the 2024 season.

He said it’s a good thing that Pitt has coaches and players doing their job so effectively that they’re in the news like this; it certainly wasn’t happening last year.

Sandy Schall, Coldwell Banker
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Tom D
Tom D
25 days ago

There are a thousand ways that Nard could have answered that question better than the word salad I just read. What’s he talking about? sounds so dumb.

Joe Schmo
Joe Schmo
25 days ago
Reply to  Tom D

When did “word salad” become an everyday phrase? Please just stfu and enjoy this season .

JumoingJohnnie
JumoingJohnnie
25 days ago
Reply to  Tom D

OK smartA$$, could you please give the audience one the the thousand ways you would’ve answered the question?

D200
D200
25 days ago
Reply to  Tom D

You sound dumb in the midst of a 5-0 season.

Pyler Talko
Pyler Talko
25 days ago
Reply to  Tom D

Tom D is a bitter man.

Joe
Joe
25 days ago

At 31 years old, Bell is a star head coach in the making. He will get a shot in the big chair at a P4 program before he turns 40.

Menotyou
Menotyou
25 days ago

We will see how dedicated the new administration is to the program with how quickly we lose Bell. If this continues we are going to lose him but if he goes within a couple years then I fear we are going back to the 90s. Are they willing to pay for an elite coordinator?

Pyler Talko
Pyler Talko
25 days ago

Does anyone know how long Bell is under contract? His phone will be ringing as soon as the season ends if not sooner. His offense is what today’s NCAA looks for in a HC. Give him a raise today!!

Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge
25 days ago
Reply to  Pyler Talko

If he gets what he feels is the right opportunity to lead a P4 program he will and should take it just like any business executive. Agree about his phone ringing….a lot.

MDtkd
MDtkd
24 days ago

While planning for the future, lets see how the season actually plays out with the big boys still on the schedule. Seasons can implode, teams can be based on one star, perhaps finishing out strong an understanding how recruiting really improves is important while getting a war chest together from the alumni if things continue on the great trajectory they appear to be.

Columbus Panther
Columbus Panther
24 days ago

I’m just going to repeat what I said in here a few weeks ago when a commenter brought this up. Although he has 3 years remaining, he only needs 1 more to be draft eligible. With his play at Pitt currently and if he continues to improve there’s zero reason to go somewhere else for just a year. If his goal is the NFL he can make it there from a lot of schools. If his goal is a Natty. Then maybe he considers a one year rental situation. My confidence is he stays. Bell probably is just another year… Read more »

katuracassells@gmail.com
katuracassells@gmail.com
23 days ago

With a new Chancellor that is hiring an nil proponent type athletic director, I am fairly confident that coach Bell will get his money. Coach Narduzzi is not irreplaceable. Bell will either get the money, or, the money and the job. There is a reason that Heather Lyke is no longer at Pitt. The priority is football first, then basketball. The new A.D. is being hired on that priority.

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