‘Really Important’: Dan Fisher Talks Staying in Pittsburgh

Dan Fisher is one of the best coaches in Pittsburgh, regardless of the level or the sport.

Pitt is coming off its fourth straight Final Four appearance under Fisher, and while all four appearances have ended in heartache, he’s proven to be an elite recruiter — and an elite developer of talent. He’s built Pitt into a powerhouse.

New Director of Athletics Allen Greene felt the same way, deciding to extend Fisher’s contract through the 2030 season. It was a big investment in one of the biggest coaches in the sport. And it signaled Pitt’s commitment to women’s volleyball.

In an interview at former Pitt star Rachel Fairbanks’ professional volleyball match, Fisher was asked about remaining at Pitt:

“Really important,” Fisher said. “You might’ve heard college athletics is a little uncertain, and I just am fortunate to be in a place that values volleyball, and I have a new athletic director who’s been incredible, so I feel blessed.”

Coach Fish in the building along with Olivia in support of Rachel..love to see it! #H2P pic.twitter.com/ermRQizVft

— Steve (@BigSteve_H) February 16, 2025

It’s no surprise that Fisher was in attendance for Fairbanks’ match with LOVB Atlanta, checking in on one of the best players in college volleyball last season — and one of the best Pitt student-athletes in recent memory.

“Well, I’m not surprised, I should say that” Fisher said. “She’s a winner, and I certainly believe in her, but it is sweet. It’s great just to have Pro volleyball where all these young athletes can have someone to look up to.”

Fairbanks is one of the latest in a long line of standout student-athletes under Fisher. She earned All-American honors last season, along with Olivia Babcock, Torrey Stafford and Bre Kelley. Babcock earned AVCA National Player of the Year honors, and while Stafford transferred to Texas, the Panthers will return a strong group in 2025.

Fisher has won six ACC titles in his time at Pitt, and with those titles, he’s won more matches over the last seven seasons than any other Division I program. Pitt is the only school to advance to the Final Four in each of the last four seasons.

It’s that success that led Greene to extend Fisher — ending any whispers of a national team appointment.

“Dan Fisher has built an elite volleyball program at the University of Pittsburgh in every respect,” Greene said in a press release. “His team, on and off the court, has captured the attention and hearts of our entire region, filling arenas and becoming ‘must-see TV.’ While his coaching acumen is nationally renowned, I believe Dan’s greatest strength is the genuine relationships he forms with his student-athletes and the strong team culture he builds.

“That’s why Pitt is a destination for top volleyball talent from coast to coast. Personally speaking, I deeply appreciate the relationship Dan and I have formed in a relatively short period of time and am excited to lock arms with him as he prepares his team for another championship run.”

Fisher has built a powerhouse at Pitt, and he’s in line to lead the Panthers for years to come — and with Babcock at the point of attack, there’s always a chance.