The University of Pittsburgh has announced the long-anticipated extension of football coach Pat Narduzzi.
The new contract extends Narduzzi through the 2030 season.
"Our ACC championship season was the result of a strong culture and foundation that Pat Narduzzi has tirelessly built for Pitt football," Director of Athletics Heather Lyke said in a statement. "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 move was expected with Lyke saying last week a deal was "imminent."
In his seventh season, a breakthrough in terms of record for Narduzzi as the Panthers finished 11-3 and won a first ever ACC championship. Overall the 55-year-old is 53-37 with the Panthers having only one losing season.
"I love Pitt football and the University of Pittsburgh," Narduzzi said in a statement posted to Pitt’s website. "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."