University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Narduzzi Names Bates New Pitt Defensive Coordinator
1/13/2018 6:13:00 PM | Football
PITTSBURGH—Randy Bates, a veteran of the coaching profession with nearly four decades of collegiate experience, has been named Pitt's new defensive coordinator by Coach Pat Narduzzi.
Bates arrives at Pitt after spending the past 12 seasons (2006-17) coaching linebackers at Northwestern under Pat Fitzgerald. Bates' unit was instrumental in the Wildcats' 10-3 mark this past season, which included a Music City Bowl win over Kentucky (24-23). Northwestern finished No. 17 in the final polls.
Among his accomplished pupils at Northwestern were All-America Anthony Walker Jr., now with the Indianapolis Colts, and Paddy Fisher, a 2017 Freshman All-American and the Big Ten Network's Defensive Freshman of the Year.
Prior to his tenure with the Wildcats, he spent six seasons at Louisiana Tech (2000-05), where he ascended to defensive coordinator.
"I've known Randy for a long time and have the utmost respect for him as a teacher and recruiter," Narduzzi said. "He is a tireless worker, always learning and always striving to improve as a coach. I've shared many phone calls with him discussing techniques, schemes and opponents. But what is most impressive about Randy is the type of person he is. He values relationships and is really invested in the student-athletes under his watch. Randy will bring great passion and knowledge to Pitt and I know he'll put a great mark on our very promising defense. I'm really thrilled to welcome to the University of Pittsburgh not only Randy but also his wife, Tracey, and three daughters, Samantha, Alexandra and Olivia."
"I knew it would always take a special place and outstanding opportunity to draw me away from Northwestern," Bates said. "After talking with Pat Narduzzi, I knew Pitt was that type of place. It is a tremendous honor to join a program with such a rich tradition and history. But more importantly, it has an even brighter future under Coach Narduzzi. I can't wait to meet our players and get started."
Before Louisiana Tech, Bates was the linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator at Kent State for two seasons (1998-99). While with the Golden Flashes, he coached future NFL Defensive Player of the Year James Harrison.
Bates' additional coaching stops include New Hampshire (1992-97), Navy (1989-1992), St. Joseph's College (1984-1988), Miami (Ohio) (1983-84) and Muskingum College (1982-83).
A retired Naval Lieutenant, Bates received his bachelor's degree in physical education from Ohio State in 1983. He also earned a master's degree in education from Miami University in 1985.
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Bates arrives at Pitt after spending the past 12 seasons (2006-17) coaching linebackers at Northwestern under Pat Fitzgerald. Bates' unit was instrumental in the Wildcats' 10-3 mark this past season, which included a Music City Bowl win over Kentucky (24-23). Northwestern finished No. 17 in the final polls.
Among his accomplished pupils at Northwestern were All-America Anthony Walker Jr., now with the Indianapolis Colts, and Paddy Fisher, a 2017 Freshman All-American and the Big Ten Network's Defensive Freshman of the Year.
Prior to his tenure with the Wildcats, he spent six seasons at Louisiana Tech (2000-05), where he ascended to defensive coordinator.
"I've known Randy for a long time and have the utmost respect for him as a teacher and recruiter," Narduzzi said. "He is a tireless worker, always learning and always striving to improve as a coach. I've shared many phone calls with him discussing techniques, schemes and opponents. But what is most impressive about Randy is the type of person he is. He values relationships and is really invested in the student-athletes under his watch. Randy will bring great passion and knowledge to Pitt and I know he'll put a great mark on our very promising defense. I'm really thrilled to welcome to the University of Pittsburgh not only Randy but also his wife, Tracey, and three daughters, Samantha, Alexandra and Olivia."
"I knew it would always take a special place and outstanding opportunity to draw me away from Northwestern," Bates said. "After talking with Pat Narduzzi, I knew Pitt was that type of place. It is a tremendous honor to join a program with such a rich tradition and history. But more importantly, it has an even brighter future under Coach Narduzzi. I can't wait to meet our players and get started."
Before Louisiana Tech, Bates was the linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator at Kent State for two seasons (1998-99). While with the Golden Flashes, he coached future NFL Defensive Player of the Year James Harrison.
Bates' additional coaching stops include New Hampshire (1992-97), Navy (1989-1992), St. Joseph's College (1984-1988), Miami (Ohio) (1983-84) and Muskingum College (1982-83).
A retired Naval Lieutenant, Bates received his bachelor's degree in physical education from Ohio State in 1983. He also earned a master's degree in education from Miami University in 1985.
#H2P | Twitter | Instagram
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