University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Narduzzi Named to Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year Watch List
10/16/2024 10:00:00 AM | Football
PITTSBURGH—After directing Pitt to its first 6-0 start in 42 years, Pat Narduzzi, the Panthers' Chris Bickell '97 Head Football Coach, has been named to the American Heart Association's 2024 Paul "Bear" Bryant Coach of the Year Award watch list.
Narduzzi is one of 27 coaches nationwide who are under consideration for the prestigious honor that annually "recognizes contributions that make the sport better for athletes and fans alike by demonstrating grit, integrity and a winning approach to coaching and life – both on and off the field."
Under Narduzzi's direction, Pitt has won its initial six games for the first time since 1982. The Panthers are ranked No. 20 by both Associated Press and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA).
Now in his 10th season, Narduzzi has compiled a 71-50 overall record. His 71 victories rank second all-time at Pitt, trailing only the legendary Jock Sutherland (111 wins from 1924-38).
In Atlantic Coast Conference play, Narduzzi has directed Pitt to 45 victories since his debut season in 2015, the second-highest win total during that span (trailing only Clemson's 68). He led Pitt to the 2021 ACC championship—the first outright conference title in school history—and was a finalist for the Paul "Bear" Bryant Coach of the Year honor that season.
Narduzzi has coached some of the most decorated players ever at Pitt, including nine first team All-Americans, an ACC Player of the Year (quarterback Kenny Pickett), ACC Defensive Player of the Year (defensive tackle Calijah Kancey) and two ACC Rookies of the Year (safety Jordan Whitehead and running back Qadree Ollison).
He has also built an impressive Pitt pipeline to the NFL. Over the past four NFL Drafts (2021-24), the Panthers' 17 picks are the second most of any ACC program (trailing only Clemson's 19).
Now in its 39th year, the Paul "Bear" Bryant Coach of the Year award winner will be announced live from Houston's Post Oak Hotel on January 22 during an awards ceremony presented by Marathon Oil. The National Sports Media Association, the Bryant Awards' Executive Leadership Team and the Bryant Family vote on the watch list, finalists and Coach of the Year recipient.
In addition to the national Coach of the Year, the Paul "Bear" Bryant Awards will also present Conference Coach of the Year Awards from each of the Power Four athletic conferences (ACC, Big Ten, Big 12 and SEC) and one from the combined Group of Five conferences (American Athletic Conference, Conference USA, Mid-American Conference, Mountain West Conference and Sun Belt Conference), the Pac-12 and independent teams.
For more information, go to BryantAwards.org.
Following an open date this week, the Panthers resume action on Thursday, Oct. 24, when they host ACC foe Syracuse at 7:30 p.m. The game will be nationally televised by ESPN. For tickets, go to PittsburghPanthers.com or call (800) 643-7488.
