Former Youngstown State and Rhode Island linebacker Pat Narduzzi has made his bones coaching on the defensive side of the football. Narduzzi became a defensive coordinator in 1998 at Rhode Island, and served in that role for two seasons. In 2003, Narduzzi became the DC at Miami (OH), moved on to Cincinnati from 2004-2006, Michigan State from 2007-2014, and has been the Pitt head coach since 2015. In five seasons, Narduzzi has won the ACC Coastal Division, taken Pitt to four bowl games, and compiled a 36-29 record.
Narduzzi followed now Wisconsin Badgers head coach Paul Chryst, who finished 19-19 at Pitt.