in Pitt Football 878 Words

HC Pat Narduzzi is Here Until ’30…

PITTSBURGH—The University of Pittsburgh and Chris Bickell ’97 Head Football Coach Pat Narduzzi agreed to a new contract that ensures his leadership of the Panthers through at least the 2030 season, it was announced today by Director of Athletics Heather Lyke.

“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.”

The 2022 season will mark Narduzzi’s eighth as head coach of the Panthers.

Pat Narduzzi Signs New Pitt Pact through 2030

PITTSBURGH—The University of Pittsburgh and Chris Bickell ’97 Head Football Coach Pat Narduzzi agreed to a new contract that ensures his leadership of the Panthers through at least the 2030 season, it was announced today by Director of Athletics Heather Lyke.

“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.”

The 2022 season will mark Narduzzi’s eighth as head coach of the Panthers.

“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.”

Last year, Narduzzi led Pitt to one of the most accomplished seasons in school history. The Panthers’ stormed to 11 victories—their most since 1981—and claimed their first outright conference title with a 45-21 triumph over Wake Forest in the ACC Championship Game.

Pitt earned a No. 13 ranking in the final polls, its highest finish since 1982. The Panthers placed No. 12 in the final College Football Playoff ratings, their highest ever.

In the wake of that historic season, Narduzzi received the Andy Talley Tri-State Coach of the Year award, annually presented by the Maxwell Football Club to the top college coach in the northeast region. Narduzzi was a finalist for the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year, Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year and Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year national awards.

Over his initial seven seasons as Pitt’s head coach, Narduzzi has compiled a 53-37 overall record, making him the fourth-winningest football coach in school history.

Since 2015, he has led the Panthers to 36 victories in ACC play, the conference’s third-highest win total during that span. Only Clemson (52) and Miami (37) have won more.

Narduzzi has coached seven first team All-Americans at Pitt, including three in 2021: wide receiver Jordan Addison, quarterback Kenny Pickett and long snapper Cal Adomitis.

Addison won the 2021 Biletnikoff Award (nation’s outstanding receiver), Pickett won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award (nation’s top upperclassman quarterback) and was a Heisman Trophy finalist, while Adomitis earned the Patrick Mannelly Award (nation’s top long snapper).

Under Narduzzi’s watch, Pitt continues to produce high-level NFL prospects. Pickett, one of the most prominent players in this year’s draft, is projected to be the first Pitt quarterback selected in the opening round since Dan Marino in 1983.
 
Six Pitt products were selected in the 2021 NFL Draft, the most of any program in the ACC and tied for eighth nationally.
 
The Panthers have also excelled in the classroom and community during Narduzzi’s tenure.
 
In 2020, Pitt earned an NCAA Public Recognition Award for achieving an Academic Progress Rate (APR) score that ranked in the top 10% of all football programs. The Panthers’ multi-year 988 APR set a Pitt football program record and was 24 points higher than the national average.
 
One of the tenets of Narduzzi’s program has been “giving back.” As a result, football student-athletes have been among Pitt’s most active and enthusiastic when it comes to community service. Four of Narduzzi’s players have been named to the prestigious Allstate AFCA Good Works Team: Adomitis (2021), wide receiver Tre Tipton (2019), linebacker Mike Caprara (2016) and running back James Conner (2015).

123 thoughts on “HC Pat Narduzzi is Here Until ’30…”

  1. The 2nd to last paragraph is why I never said I wanted PN gone. He’s a good HC all around…

    Now, if he can pull in a national title I’ll be the first to say he’s the best Pitt HC since the 1930’s!

    Liked by 6 people

    1. Narduzzi ain’t going anywhere unless he decides to retire. And that’s what I’m expecting to happen quite a few years down the road beyond this present contract.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. This makes me so happy, if for nothing else that it’s going to trigger so many people here. He won. I’m not a huge fan … But, he won and appears to run a clean program with a family atmosphere. What’s Pitt supposed to do? They had to extend him. And, to everyone who says he’s paid too much, you’re worth what the market says you’re worth. I’m in sales and no one with his track record would have been fired at my job either so I have no issues. I want more that top 15. I guess we’ll see if he can do it this decade.

    Liked by 6 people

  4. After the mess we were in a few years ago, he righted the ship and the program has moved forwards on all fronts, more wins, better players, and now a championship.

    Liked by 7 people

  5. Like Tossing, I’m no fan of Narduzzi. But…. I respect the hell out of what he’s built at Pitt!

    I see last season as 1975 all over again. I’m hoping this season is 1976! We have the studs on both sides of the ball, 2 good QBs (in 76 we needed them both), best receiving corps in the USA! No Dorsett but a very good running game. Players lining up to transfer in!

    What could possibly go wrong?

    Liked by 7 people

  7. Pitt wants stability. Long term PN gives it. College FB is a little bit less transfer crazy then BB. But both are semi pro now. H2P

    Like

  8. Like Dan and Tossing, I am not a fan of Narduzzi. He went from the chopping block after Western Michigan disaster to a contract extension. He was the epitome of mediocre until last year.

    I do respect him though. His players love him. He has done a very good job in the transfer portal. His players stay out of trouble. He won an ACC Championship. He won 11 games. Any way you slice it, that deserves an extension.

    If these last 2 years has taught me anything it’s absolutely anything is believable anymore. This turn of events in the football program is one of the most pleasant surprises in that time frame. I just hope Duzz can recreate this magic every few years… or the buyout isn’t terrible (just kidding…kinda).

    Liked by 2 people

  9. The litmus test for Narduzzi will be whether he can sustain success? Was last year lightning in a bottle because of a 6th year quarterback, or has Pat Really built a sustainable program with a 9-10 win floor? A 10 win season this year is now the expectation…

    Liked by 3 people

    2. I don’t think it was all Kenny by any means. The entire roster matured. Covid ruined the previous season or the coming out party would have been sooner, IMO. He’s built a program, not a team. It’s what he said he set out to do. It took longer than I wanted but it appears it has arrived.

      Agreed, 100%, that he has to do it again, however. Once you arrive, you have to stay there.

      Like

  10. Duzzer still can say cringe-worthy things, but he has improved quite a bit in dealing with the media – hoping that improvement continues.

    But inside the program, he must do and say the right things. I like the way he tries to address weak areas in the roster. I like the way he recognizes that he needs virtually a “head coach of the offense” and lets that Coach do his thing.

    Whether he can break through his 7 or 8 win ceiling ever again is the big question. Personally, I get my money’s worth in sheer Pitt-football-drama.

    (But what coaches are paid these days is pretty ridiculous.)

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 4 people

    2. what a lot of people in “entertainment” get paid is pretty ridiculous

      look at the top rated 10-30 in a field where they are the CEO’s of companies generating what they do in $$$ and compare what they are paid

      so if the revenues support it, hasn’t the head coach earned every penny

      Liked by 1 person

  11. While length and pay is always debatable, the actual extension cannot be. The program appears to be in a very good place right now, especially when stability is considered.

    Sports fans overreact when something doesn’t measure up to their expectations. Same for when teams exceed them. A year ago, Indiana FB fans thought their HC was a godsend. Now they’re wondering if he was a one year wonder. Mel Tucker was so good this year that MSU gave home a 10 year, $100M extension.

    At least there is some history to Duzz. I don’t expect a string of double digit win seasons, but do expect more than 7. The bar has been raised but I would caution about raising it too high

    After a rough start, Franklin raised PSU expectations to a pretty high level. Then despite 2 pretty mediocre seasons, Franklin just received an attractive extension. Warranted? Who knows? But program stability, especially in this era of the portal, is very important IMO

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

    Liked by 4 people

  12. It was just one year ago, after the Western Michigan loss, that I had seen enough and wanted Narduzzi gone after the year (barring any miraculous turnaround, which by the way, happened). So now, less than a year later, call me skeptical, as this extension could prove to be premature. That said, Heather & the Universtiy rolled the dice, and I view the extension positively overall because of the following observations: (1) players love Narduzzi, (2) he has largely maintained a good supporting staff with good longevity overall, (3) the program is clean, with academic and community involvement accolades, (4) we continue to see the fruits of good player development, (5) we are getting our share of guys to the NFL, and lastly, (6) Narduzzi himself seems to be a good representative for the University and has shown a willingness to learn/adapt, at least somewhat (yes, he can be snarky with reporters, but he deflects negative attention on his players).

    Liked by 4 people

    1. Agreed. I was there, too. I said he had to have a top 25 finish to stay but that was probably overly dramatic and in the moment … But … he did it anyways.

      Like

  13. Golfing tomorrow with my POVert friends Erie and Farmers on the frozen tundra of Western Pa…life is good.
    Gave up beer for Lent, but whiskey helps. 😎

    Liked by 5 people

  14. Off topic but Pitt women BB just received a commit from a 2-time West Va player of the year from Fairmont. She originally committed to the Eers but was told there was no room due to Covid seniors deciding to return. I have no idea if she is a 2 star or 4 star.

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

    Liked by 4 people

  15. PN botched the WMU game which would have possibly put us in the playoff.

    Wonder if KP would have played then?

    Kinda doubt it but damn, 12 wins would have been nice.

    As it is Pitt hasn’t had a less than three loss season since 1981 – 41 years ago. Don’t see it happening any time soon either.

    We may we’ll come back down to earth with a new QB. If I remember first time QBs at Pitt were pretty average save Peterman taking over for Voytik.

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  16. I gave up on the guy after the consective mind-blowing losses to NC St and BC in 2020 and have receipts:

    https://pittpov.com/2020/10/10/pitt-at-bc-postgame-thread/#comment-290642

    One excerpt:

    “Folks, I’ve been a wait and see guy with Wannstedt, Chryst and Duzz. There came a point in Wannstedt’s time when it was 100% clear to me he was not up to the job as HC. I came to that same conclusion tonight with Narduzzi. The OL is atrocious, we can’t recruit TE’s and neither the OC or the OL coaches are inspiring young recruits to join the Panthers (and thank god for Chris Beatty btw). And did I mention the OL is not good. The problem is large and Lyke has her hands full. With the current economic situation as well as COVID, her possible moves are limited. Best we could hope for I suppose is Borbely to retire and replace him someone who has both great (i.e. better than good) recruiting skills and is a great positional coach.

    I think we will win some more game this year, but its going to go down as a year when the team could have made a nice showing but was hamstrung by the nearsightedness of a HC who couldn’t see past his DL.”

    And then this one on Wannstache in the same thread:

    “Averaged 7 wins/yr. By POV realist definition, that makes him mediocre.
    His only Bowl victory was made possible by an offside call on a UNC lineman at game’s end.
    Oh and the game before that was Mardy Gilyard.

    I’ll say this for him though – at least he eased Cavanaugh out of the picture before that magical season and brought in Frank Cignetti Jr as OC. In short, 2009 was a blind squirrel finding a nut if I’m blunt.”

    Today’s JoeL… glad to have lived long enough and witnessed an ACC Championship. Obviously, I didn’t think he had it in him.

    Unlike some others, I won’t qualify his success because Kenny stayed, we had 6-7 super seniors start, Clemson & the ACC had a down year…. yada, yada, yada. It happened on his watch and if we’re going to crucify him when they lose to a Western Michigan, its only fair to give him the props. Did the planets align to create a special season?… absolutely – just like they do for many other winning programs not named Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State and so on.

    I’m OK with an extension. He earned one and I believe its good news for the kids, assistant coaches and even the fans. But… 2030? Oooh, thats a wee bit longer than I might have gone.

    Agree with Maestro that the question is can he do it again. I will not repeat the mistake of saying he can’t.
    Unlike the last few years where the OL was THE big question mark, its now moved to QB.

    My POV…there isn’t any one single position that makes an offense productive; a QB alone cannot win games… it takes all components working together and the yin-yang between the offensive and defensive units matters too.

    Gonna be an interesting year…. looking forward to seeing the QBs at the Spring Game.

    Liked by 6 people

    1. Joe, I think nearly all of us had given up on Pat at one point or another. My point was the Western Michigan
      Loss this past season. BUT, I am absolutely thrilled at having been so wrong. H2P

      Liked by 1 person

  17. Like the men’s team, the women’s BB team needs to shoot much better. They have two guard recruits coming in who are considered good shooters. Besides Marley Washenitz from WV, Aislin Malcolm is local.

    Both are ranked in the top 100 by different recruiting services. Both are 5-10ish guards.

    That’s the better news; the bad news is that 6-4 Center Rita has entered the portal. Her loss, though she has her faults such as rushing shots, will be tough to make up for. She had an imposing presence on the court that Pitt has lacked for years. So now we need to somehow find another “big.”

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 1 person

      1. That’s good to hear – I think…

        They need a player or two, to hit the portal. Going to be tough to find a “big” replacement at this point, especially with only one roster spot open…

        Go Pitt.

        Like

  18. Interesting that the announcement came on a Monday. Not surprising that no financial details were disclosed hence the ability to do a Monday release since this will be the talk for most of the weeks media cycle.

    We probably won’t find out until Fall, when Pitt is required to release names of Highly compensated individuals, regarding the contract details unless there’s a mole.

    Most likely future articles will be written about stability. And how it’s a buzz word and somewhat casually thrown around. Case in point, look at the Steelers over the past ten years. Stable organization that consistently underperforms and has won nothing of significance. Or those who take the other extreme side and pronounce it to be a great thing and the end all be all. Personally, the truth is typically found in the middle.

    The same stability argument could also apply to Pitt. But, The more appropriate question is will the contract establish a new standard and expectation.

    With the Steelers, the standard is Super Bowls. With Pitt the standard has been winning the Coastal, now done twice in seven years. Will the standard or bar now be winning ACC championships and getting to the BCS? Is that even possible at Pitt given its recruiting, staff budget and few engaged big time boosters who Pitt has effectively neutered…no booster clubs.

    Lastly, the aspect of players loving him is a two way street. I’ve read many a book on coaching and the best coaches across all sports were always fair and respected by their players. Never adored. The best compliment I ever gave a coach of mine was that he was a real pain in the ass but always fair and made me a better player and person.

    Will Narduzzi develop his players both on and off the field? That might be worth the price paid.

    Let’s just hope we aren’t talking buyout in 2-3 years since it will most likely be 4 times what Capels is today. That would financially crush Pitt.

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      1. Don’t think so he is here for as long as he wants to be. Pitt doesn’t demand he be in the ACC title game ever year. Once and a while is good enough for our AD and others that matter.

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    2. We admittedly are trailing most of the pack in big boosters and donors. But, which is the cart and which is the horse—or which is the chicken and which is the egg? If we start to win big and often, better recruits will come knocking…it has already started to some degree this year. With better recruits come more wins. With more wins come more donors.
      Maybe we do need to spend money to make money.
      Or maybe I just dream sometimes…..we each decide for ourselves which side you want to be on. No “right” answer available now as far as I know.

      Like

  19. I question the length but not the decision to increase his pay. I appreciate that all the money coaches make today is ridiculous, but the market is what it is.

    However, in my mind, with the OOC schedule Pitt is facing (something we all agree we don’t Lyke) I think an 8-9 win season including HOPEFULLY a bowl win is the best we should expect. New offense, new OC, new QB, questionable OL, and weak CB room, make this a year with more question marks than last year.

    To not give HCPN credit for the loyalty generally shown, and good citizenship his players have exhibited, and then jump on Capel for all the problems he’s had with transfers and player run-ins with law enforcement is hypocritical. Give credit where it is due.

    Sadly, if we’re expecting Pitt to be in the national championship hunt again, HCPN and likely any other Pitt coach will not be the right person.

    When comparing HCPN to Pitt’s last coach to win 10 consider this, Wanny couldn’t win an outright championship in a weak Big East but Pitt did it this year in a down, but markedly stronger ACC.

    Like

  20. The last publicly disclosed figure was $4.8 for Narduzzi but that number is always 8-10 months behind given the way Pitt reports for the commonwealth.

    I’ve seen and heard that this seasons number was closer to $5.2 given an escalating base salary structure. That makes him the second highest paid HC in the ACC.

    With the new contract, I figure the base is around $6.2 and escalates each year. Along with certain monetary incentives and bonus payouts.

    Now the question becomes was Pitt foolish enough to pay Dabo money since that would be around $9 million.

    It comes down to the following basic questions –

    What is fair and market level compensation?

    What is the expectation regarding performance?

    And more importantly can Pitt afford it?

    Like

    1. You ask the wildest questions. You’re worth what the market says you’re worth. Contract employees don’t have accountability outside of not having a contract renewed or being let go early and being paid out the remainder of the contract (or whatever buyout is pre-negotiated). It’s a new contract. There are no performance expectations tied to it unless he can hit accelerators or other bonuses. Stop trying to make a football gig like a normal job. It’s not. He’s a contract employee. If he doesn’t do enough he’ll be bought out or not have the contract renewed, or he’ll leave on his own accord. But, that will be arbitrary.

      So to answer your questions …

      What is fair and market level compensation … whatever his contract that he signed says it is
      What is the expectation regarding performance … don’t break the contract language
      Can Pitt afford it … obviously, if they gave it to him

      Like

  21. Stability. Most NFL pundits praise an organization that have employed only 3 coaches since 1969. Of course, prior to that, the Steelers only had one coach who coached more than 100 games.

    Pitt, which has a longer history that the Steelers, only have 2 coaches which coached more than 100 games. Duzz should become the third this season, and if Pitt should win 8 games, he’ll become the second HC to exceed 60 wins

    Think about that for a while. Stability is not necessarily a bad word. Pitt should try it

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

    Liked by 5 people

  22. From the Lair pay site: Poster has a good friend that is a local HS QB coach and was at the scrimmage on Saturday.

    Thoughts on SLOVIS:
    -Arm talent is NFL elite
    -Throws very accurate all practice
    -Said delivery reminded him of Aaron Rodgers(powerful, quick, accurate, and effortless)
    -There is no competition with Patti based on what he saw for the QB1 slot

    Liked by 5 people

  24. Speculation on New Commit which we should know tomorrow Tylar Wiltz LB out of Missouri State. Supposed to be very quick and hits with power.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Good info, jrn. This Wiltz guy seems to have some nice speed. Too bad he couldn’t be here for spring practice to learn the Star LB spot…

      Another effort to improve an inexperienced position…

      Go Pitt.

      Like

  25. One last scoop for the day. Looks like Pitt is getting another walk on Thomas Aden 6’2″ 285lbs DL/C out of Cleveland State.

    Liked by 1 person

  26. No advantage to extending him in my opinion. Ties your hands if this last year was an anomaly and we go back to 7 wins during regular season. The midwest and northeast market for him in the P5 is not good generally and he is not a threat to go anywhere else. Personally, six years of no bowls and pizza bowls to get one above average year, just isn’t worth it. Maybe it is understanding that I don’t have many seasons left because of my own expiration date, who knows. That’s just being real.

    Tossing, I think nobody actually cares about this move. It really isn’t a story after flubbing the Capel extension without repercussion, who cares about this? Who is surprised to see this when each is responsible for each other’s generational wealth transfer. What happens if he goes back to 7-5 or 6-6, nothing. What happens if he goes 11-3, nothing. He would have to win a NC to be a hot commodity and even so, many programs wouldn’t wait 6 years to get an above average year. They just won’t.

    Coaches are funny. They use the argument with their AD’s that because they are not under a longterm deal, that it is used against them in recruiting because they can’t promise parents of recruits they will be there for their sons entire time at x university, but somehow, the reverse is not used because of the portal. The players control everything right now in the college landscape. Coaches telling a recruit that he is under contract the entire time means zero, squat. Coaches leave all the time. There is no market for our coach but it will make for a good talking point during presser’s with recruits as they are told to say that….good grief!

    As an aside, Pitt ranks 36th in NFL Contract money, coming in slightly over $215M which is one place behind Cincinnati (223M) and one place ahead of Delaware (213M).

    https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/college/

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    1. I’m not sure what you’re arguing? All I said was he deserved an extension … which most people appear to agree with … I also said it will bring me joy watching the people who don’t want the extension complain. Which it will. I’ve always said that I can find story lines in any season to keep me entertained (although basketball has certainly put a strain on that comment). This will keep me entertained. It almost feels like 9 years was a specific troll to those people, which makes the situation even more comical. Duzz is not going anywhere anytime soon regardless of what happens on the field. Watching people waste energy on it will have me laughing for years. Reading about corners on islands for 9 more years is going to be hysterical … guess what people … he’s not going to change.

      I’m not a big fan of Duzz but the program is clearly moving forward. Recruiting is getting more consistent. This year’s camps have the biggest names yet. I’ll have my complaints in the future. Just not until September at the earliest.

      Liked by 1 person

  27. Here is a question. I’ve noticed how many PWOs Pitt is getting. Just wondering if these players are getting NIL deals that would cover the cost of a scholarship. If so that is a smart move.

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  28. But, but…Pitt HCs always have upset losses.!

    It’s part of the Pitt HC DNA.

    I’m glad about the extension because it keeps some things (HC mainly) in place. Now, aside from our DC we need to get a full coaching staff that stays for successive seasons.

    I do think that the WR coach last season was a high reason the QB blew up so successfully. We need to keep those good coaches in place.

    PN’s salary keeps Pitt from paying enough to the other main coaches in place thus the turnover.

    Can’t wait for Apr 9th…I need a break.

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  30. WR coach may be good but it’s a transient position by nature. He also walked into a good WR room A better one than the previous WR coaches had. Turnover with assistants is very common. It’s a very nomadic job and you follow the money not loyalties. Assistants are important but can be very overrated in the grand scheme of things. Their recruiting is more important than their coaching. Their ability to do the grunt work is more important that the coaching.

    Liked by 1 person

  31. A factoid I found interesting:

    Quadree Henderson ran the 100 meters in 10.8 seconds.

    Incoming Texas freshman Che Nwabuko ran the 100 meters in 10.23 seconds.

    Apparently this kid can motor. Oh Canada would have loved this guy….

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 1 person

    2. FAKE number. Try actually watching the meet. Not just Nwabuko but also No. 2 and No. 3 ran within fractions of the same.

      OK, so Texas High School has THREE Olympic 100 meters contenders THIS year?

      SLOWEST 10.2 in history I’ve ever seen.

      Whatever.

      Just like Narduzzi’s extension. FAKE numbers. LOL

      Like

  32. From an alum who says he knows:
    $6,000,000 year with + and – incentives. Also, Duzz demanded raises for assistants before he signed. Also, I don’t care!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. For Pitt to truly excel, it has to pay its staff and have a sizable recruiting budget with a leased helicopter.

      It can’t continue hiring old washed up coordinators on the cheap. It can’t continue hiring young and inexperienced assistants. Money will open up the pool of qualified candidates. Tough for Pitt to compete when they pay $600k for a coordinator and other coastal schools pay close to one million.

      Recruiting ultimately will determine the success of this program. Talent triumphs over coaching any day.

      And recruiting is never done in a vacuum. It’s all relative to other coastal schools. I’ve never seen the recruiting chops needed from Narduzzi. Five star transfers don’t impress me. There’s a big reason why that elite kid is transferring to of all places Pitt.

      Like

  33. For you golfers, I am a 55 degree and up golfer and will be in for Spring game Thursday if anyone wants to play Friday.

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    1. Dan – I won’t be at the Spring Game or I’d plan to golf with you.

      I played Saturday in Central PA – 47 degrees (wind chill at 42). When the sun was out it was comfortable.

      I’m hoping for a sunny day in Pittsburgh today –

      I’m hoping HL learned from her Capel mistake(s) and didn’t tie a ball and chain around the neck of Pitt FB.

      Glad to hear Slow-vis is looking good at practice. That beats not looking good. When the game fires up vs the hoopies in late August, let’s not forget our Oline is playing vs a veteran wvu Dline that will be fired up to go full speed after his California bee-hind.

      Like

      1. Yo dude, Slovis, should have time for a Cali latte and be able to flex all over finsta during the game. 😉

        Seriously, that veteran DL you are concerned about was not even rated in the top 50 in 2021 QB sacks with just 24 sacks. Comparing that to #2 Pitt’s 54 sacks and I think your concern may be directed toward the wrong QB.
        However, WVU’s leader in sacks is returning. He’s an interior lineman who does look good disruptive.

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  34. I have been hopeful that Pitt would try the long-term stability mode for our football program, along the likes of Kirk Ferentz at Iowa, Frank Beamer at Virginia Tech and LaVell Edwards at BYU. Certainly 40 years of coaching churn has not led to much more than occasional success. This current extension tells me we are definitely taking that long-term route.

    For some, this plan will be difficult to live with. If you look back over the coaching history of the three I mentioned, their paths were not a continuous upward trajectory. Ferentz went 7-5, 6-7, and 6-6 in years 7, 8, and 9. Beamer went 2-8-1 in year 6. 7-5 in year 11. Edwards likewise had 8-5, 6-6, and 7-4 seasons. Those who set the bar at 10 wins are going to be disappointed in many years.

    I’ve said before, I want to see a competitive team when I walk into Heinz Field. And if we are in close games with the quality of opponents we schedule, we are going to lose our share. A drop, a penalty, a bad break, a bad call … it happens. I don’t know if any are expecting us to get to the Alabama and Ohio State level. I don’t even think it is reasonable to expect us to be top 10, top 15 on a regular basis. We don’t have the size, money, or fan support to reach that level. But top 25 might be reasonable. And it wasn’t too long ago, there were many here saying they would be satisfied with that.

    Liked by 8 people

    1. It is surprising to me that Duzzer has the third best ACC conference record. We should be behind more schools than just Clemson and Miami…

      Location and fan support are big minuses we have to overcome…

      Go Pitt

      Liked by 2 people

      1. One isolated year does not make Pitt relevant. It takes sustained top 25 seasons. It takes consistency. Pitt was the saint Pete of football last season. It will soon be forgotten.

        Like

    4. Great points, Wolfe. And good that you added Ferentz and Edwards to the argument that sometimes its takes more than a couple years to build up a program.

      Being in late season contention for the Coastal and ranked in the Top 25 are good goals for the program. Sign me up for that.

      Liked by 3 people

    1. Here’s the Devils advocate

      He’s had only one top 20 team in 7 years

      He’s 1-4 in bowl games

      His record against ranked teams since his last extension was around .200

      He’s had one really good year as a result of a near 24 year old fifth year senior QB, with small hands, in a system for three years under a known QB whisperer.

      He’s a seven to eight win season coach

      And he’s 1-3 versus penn state.

      Many schools would have fired him as opposed to extending him with a ludicrous contract.

      But the standard at pitt is always a clean program, high grade points, plenty of kitten saving, crappy bowl invites and 35k real attendance with half of them asleep come second half.

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        1. The first Coastal title was a joke. Pitt was the best mediocre team amongst nothing but mediocre teams. That year Pitt lost to PSU 55-3. Any year that Pitt loses to PSU in football by 55-3 is a failure.

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          1. But it still counts and the players bloodied their bodies to win it.

            And Pitt fans got their wish that season: an extremely tough OOC. Expect more losses when playing that many games.

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  38. Tweet from Harry G. Psaros (pittguru)

    #Pitt lands Missouri State linebacker transfer Tylar Wiltz. A top FCS linebacker looking to make an impact in the #ACC. Fast sideline to sideline tackler. Leader. High character. Adds experience to a young LB group. #H2P 🟡🔵

    Liked by 2 people

  39. Like most others I thought Narduzzi was done after the Western Michigan game, but did say what would it take for him to redeem himself. So glad to be totally mistaken and happy for turnaround. He now has to sustain his success and maintain the trend. I don’t expect another ACC championship but think a 9 or 10 win season is possible. But like always must win the close ones to get there.

    Like

  40. KP had the ability and experience to finish games. I think his experience is what give Slovis the edge. Hopefully he has the ability to lead those last minute winning drives.

    Liked by 1 person

  41. Arkansas MBB just got its 3rd 5-star commit.

    Maybe some of you well-to-do alums should cut down on your golf trips and start ponying up

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

    Liked by 2 people

  42. I hear ya Bill…but my monies are all going into NIL for Wolfe and Scooter to keep them committed to Red 5A tailgating.

    Liked by 5 people

  43. Booze will get you through times of poor sports teams better than good sports team will get you thru times of no booze

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

    Liked by 5 people

  44. A well-deserved extension for Narduzzi.

    He wants to be here. He loves the region.

    Above all, he has overcome a BoT and a Chancellor who despise athletics and are always trying to knock it down. Patrick sure did his job with hoops.

    If those dullards try to knock football back down again, they’ll have to pay Pat quite a buyout.

    Here’s to idiots becoming a bit wiser and allowing Narduzzi to continue doing what he’s doing. After all, good sports teams help with student applications.

    Liked by 2 people

  47. Good for the PITT administration in realizing that they have found the Head Football Coach who has accomplished everything they have asked him to perform and accomplish. I see no other way to look at it.

    Hey everyone iek/ike

    Liked by 5 people

  48. Thx, PittDad2! My thoughts are along those lines. Nard took over a moribund program and has completely reversed the culture in a short 7 years. Will he win 11 again in the near future? I don’t know. But we are attracting better and better athletes to the program every year. The few players who Portal Out seem to end up in a lower division (makes me think they are “encouraged” to go, to make room for better Portal In guys).

    Hell, we’ve even have players saying their goal this year is The NC! How long has it been since a Pitt player has even dared think that?? Pat figured out how to develop and win with 2-3* players. Now, he is chasing/attracting high 3* and 4* talent.

    I would add, for the entertainment of the naysayers: We all know how fickle a master college FB is, so, Heather, save back a little ACC money each year, in case, some day, you need to come up with a buyout!!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I believe Arden was in the 21 class and didn’t sign with anyone and went to IMG for a year. Coming to Pitt as a PWO and the word is they are looking at him to play the center position to start off.

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  51. Every day I read PSN about Capel’s recruiting. In the last month every single day there’s a story of Capel visiting a recruits home or his staff making an offer to a portal guy… in great detail. For four years, we’ve barely heard a word about his behind the seems recruiting and now it’s a daily occurrence.

    I think He’s been told what a horrible mess Pitt BB has become in fans and alums minds. And he’s on double secret probation! What a PR change.

    Better late than never I guess!

    In business you either have sales or sales calls/reports. If you don’t have either, say goodbye!

    Like

  52. Dan, we need to see some results from all these contacts. I believe that May 1st is the deadline for portal kids to play next year without sitting out a year, so he needs to sign some kids soon.

    Speaking of the May 1st deadline, I think it applies to football as well. So Narduzzi will probably wait until after that date to announce a starting QB so that Patti doesn’t transfer.

    Like

    1. I hope the new WR Coach works on getting our guys to high-point the ball when the catch is contested.

      Sometimes that seems like a lost art.

      Go Pitt.

      Like

  54. What with being the ACC Champ, I expect to see some changes come Game Day. I expect to be treated to the 1st during refs at Heinz; 1st string announcers in the booth at Heinz; and for goodness sakes, top flight sponsers’ commercials, for a change! And, would it be too much to ask to add a bunch of DIFFERENT commercials – not the same 4 played 15 times over, throughout the game???

    Liked by 2 people

    1. If Pitt can consistently win 8 to 10 games a year they can run repeated ads for personal hygiene products for all I care😁

      Liked by 1 person

  56. If I recall correctly portal kids can transfer one time without sitting out. So bringing in a kid with 2 remaining years is a good approach to fill holes with experienced players who won’t transfer again. Unless they graduate.

    Liked by 2 people

  57. FYI Elliott Donald made a pick six on Slovis at the Saturday scrimmage. Cignetti and Narduzzi both must have had duel panic attacks when they saw Slovis chasing Donald down the field after the INT.

    Like

    1. I’m told Elliot easily outran Slow-vis. These scrimmages are revealing to some degree.

      Whichever QB is picked as the starter, they will not have the luxury of a warm-up game.

      WVCC and Tennessee will be real tests, maybe more so than starting a season with UVA.

      Like

      2. Same for whoever the new Star linebacker is in those first two games… Somewhat worrisome.

        Go Pitt.

        Like

    2. There is a thread on the Lair which suggests Slovis’ performance at that same scrimmage was very good. Went into details about his mechanics and accuracy.

      Im less concerned about his outright running speed with Cignetti’s more balanced offense, some good RBs and a strong group of receivers. More important is an ability to extend plays, an ability which he apparently has demonstrated. Proof is in the pudding though – will be good to see how he does at the Spring Game.

      Liked by 1 person

  58. Read Lyke and the Chancellor stepped up to pay assistants more money.

    Gallagher must have destroyed his office afterward having to cut those checks. Pathetic he finds athletics annoying. Great leadership there, dude.

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        1. Oh no, a well-informed poster on the Lair has stated since being at Pitt Gallagher has found athletics to now be “annoying.” This poster isn’t a jerk either on the message board and never gets into a confrontation with people.

          Anyone who objects, please persuade me with the contrary.

          Like

          2. A poster on the Lair, that is one reliable source, lol.

            The exact opposite is the truth. Assistant raises, PN extension, new athletic facilities being built. The proof is in the universities actions not on the Lair.

            Liked by 1 person

            2. Jesus Christ,

              I had a source who was the head video coordinator for the Pitt football team under Wannstedt who now is the HEAD video coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals tell me how the 2010 SI article was BS, and that wasn’t good enough for some of you when taking my stance throughout the 100s posts and arguments about it.

              So now a commendable Lair poster is laughable? Do you even know what the Lair is? Tell me genius, what do you and other POV-ers want as sources? A video straight from the horse’s mouth? Will that suffice?

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  61. Speaking of Duzzer’s contract extension, I hope they didn’t go all crazy-Tucker on it, like Mich St. did.

    And I hope a nice chunk of it comes back to Pitt each year in the form of a major donation. That’s good pub for Duzz and helps everybody…

    Go Pitt.

    Like

  62. Like nearly all college football head coaches he gets results roughly commensurate with his budget. That’s really all you can ask for in the P5

    Like

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