Despite missing out on the NCAA Tournament in 2023-24, Pittsburgh made a statement last week by extending head coach Jeff Capel. The 2022-23 ACC Coach of the Year will remain with Pittsburgh until at least 2030, which demonstrates that the Panthers envision a future with Capel leading the program to several appearances/wins in the Big Dance.
“The University of Pittsburgh continues to have outstanding leadership under Chancellor Joan Gabel and Director of Athletics Heather Lyke,” Capel said after signing his three-year contract extension. “I am appreciative of the support they have provided me and my staff as we continue to build a Pitt Men’s Basketball program that competes for championships on a conference and national level annually. Pittsburgh is a terrific sports town full of amazing people and we are grateful for the continued support of so many passionate fans. We will continue to give one hundred percent of ourselves as we represent Pitt on the court, in the classroom and in the community.”
Capel’s first four seasons at Pittsburgh were disappointing to put it mildly, as the Panthers failed to record a winning record and sniff the postseason. The 2022-23 season was a make-or-break year for Capel and the former Duke standout guard rose to the occasion. By building an older, more mature team that consisted of three graduate students, one redshirt senior and one junior (who played meaningful moments), Capel was able to enjoy his first successful season as the head coach of the Pittsburgh Panthers.
Capel’s bunch entered Selection Sunday with a 22-11 record and secured enough eye-opening victories along the way to earn an NCAA Tournament bid. The Panthers ultimately fell to Xavier in the Round of 32 after knocking off Iowa State in a defensive masterclass (held the Cyclones to 41 points), but Capel succeeded in gaining the University’s trust moving forward. The Panthers failed to reach the NCAA Tournament this past season, but the program is still in great hands with Capel running the show.
