Jeff Capel will return as head coach for a ninth season, despite a season that fell “well short” of expectations the pit.
Panthers athletic director Alan Greene made the announcement Friday A letter to Panther Nation After “evaluating every aspect” of the men’s basketball program.
“To be frank, this season fell well short of our expectations,” Green wrote. “Our level of investment in this year’s team was enough for us to reach the NCAA Tournament minimum. Just fighting to qualify for the ACC Tournament is not enough.”
The Panthers finished 13–20 overall this season and only 5–13 in ACC regular season play. Their season came to an unceremonious end on Wednesday night 98-88 loss To nc state In the second round of the conference tournament.
“Our student-athletes continued to compete with effort, pride and resiliency through a difficult season,” Green said. “They fought to the end and represented this university with tenacity. Effort alone is not enough. We must do better. I know that. Jeff knows that.”
“I believe our best path forward is continuity of leadership with clear expectations and a willingness to grow.”
Capel is 127-127 in eight seasons as head coach at Pitt and has only one NCAA Tournament appearance (2023) to his credit. He received ACC Coach of the Year honors that same season after leading the Panthers to a 21–10 regular season record (14–6 in conference play).
Capel is Under contract until 2029–30 season After signing an extension through 2024.
“In today’s college basketball landscape, winning teams in March are typically led by players with maturity and tenacity,” Green said. “Building a roster with those attributes will be a central priority moving forward.”
