Pat Narduzzi and the Pitt Panthers: What to Expect in Year 12

The Coach Who Stayed

Pat Narduzzi has been the head football coach at the University of Pittsburgh for a long time—11 seasons to be exact. Some people criticize him because the team has won only seven or eight games in six of those seasons, including the last two years.

But here is the thing nobody can argue with: Narduzzi is loyal.

Important Point
Narduzzi is now the 6th longest-tenured head coach in all of FBS college football (the highest level). In a world where coaches jump from job to job constantly, he has stayed put.

At the ACC Football Kickoff event in July, Narduzzi said:

"I’m a loyal guy. I like loyal players — loyalty’s everything. I think too many guys think about where their next job’s going to be. Players think about where their next team’s going to be. … With chancellor (Joan) Gabel and (athletic director) Allen Greene, I love where things are going. I fit with the people there, and I love our players and team. I want to build a legacy in Pittsburgh, and that’s what we’re setting out to do."

Translation: He loves Pittsburgh, he loves his bosses, and he wants to build something special that lasts.

The Season Starts Soon

Fall camp is like "preseason training" where coaches:

• Put on the pads (protective gear)
• Run real practices
• Figure out the depth chart (who starts, who backs up)

New Faces on the Coaching Staff

Narduzzi’s coaching staff is a mix of returning coaches and new hires.

New Coaches for 2026

Returning Coaches

• Kade Bell – Offensive Coordinator (calls the plays on offense)
• Archie Collins – Secondary Coach
• Jeremy Darveau – Offensive Line Coach
• Tim Daoust – Defensive Line Coach

The Quarterback: Mason Heintschel

His Story So Far

1. Low-profile recruit – Came from western Ohio, wasn’t highly ranked
2. Kade Bell believed in him – Bell was the main coach recruiting him
3. Thrown into the fire – Started as third-string quarterback
4. Week 4 promotion – Narduzzi named him starter against Boston College
5. Impressive results – Went 6-2 as a true freshman starter

His 2025 Stats (8 Games)

What Heintschel Says About Year 2

"I think we proved last year together that we can do really special things, and I think we’re going to take that next step as a group this year. Checking things at the line, seeing what coverages we’re getting and getting us set with the right play or protection — the offensive line, too, is going to be big for us, ultimately keeping me upright."

Translation: He wants to be more of a field general (calling changes at the line of scrimmage) and he knows the offensive line must protect him better.

The Big Problem: Protecting the Quarterback

Major Concern
Pitt allowed 44 sacks last season — ranked 128th in the entire FBS (dead last among 134 teams).

A sack is when the quarterback gets tackled behind the line of scrimmage before he can throw. 44 is a lot.

Returning Offensive Linemen (The Good News)

The Critical New Piece: Left Tackle

Netinho Olivieri – Transfer from University of Pennsylvania (Ivy League)

• 6-foot-4, 310 pounds
• Two-time First-Team All-Ivy League
• Job: Protect Heintschel’s blind side (left tackle blocks the defender the QB can’t see)

Why this matters: For a right-handed quarterback like Heintschel, the left tackle is the most important blocker on the field.

Wide Receivers: New Faces, Same Goal

Many of last year’s top receivers left (graduation + transfer portal). But Heintschel is confident:

"We’ve got some great players up there. I want to get them the ball in space to go make plays."

Players to Watch

Defense: Experience Up Front, Questions at Linebacker & Secondary

Defensive Line (Strength)

Three proven starters returning:

• Sean FitzSimmons
• Nick James
• Isaiah Neal

Linebackers (New Leaders Needed)

• Gone: Kyle Louis & Rasheem Biles (both were starters)
• New leader: Braylan Lovelace (senior, Leechburg graduate)
• Transfers helping: Alex Sanford (from Purdue), DeMarco Ward (from Memphis)

Defensive Backs (Mix of Youth & Experience)

Important Point
There is "much competition" at many positions. Starting spots are not guaranteed — players have to earn them in fall camp.

The Goal: ACC Championship & Beyond

Heintschel laid it out clearly:

"Getting back to the ACC championship — that’s our goal. We get back there, go win that game and then obviously, the sky’s the limit, College Football Playoff and all that kind of stuff. We’ve got to take this one game at a time. We get Miami (Ohio) Week 1, we’ve got to have a really great fall camp before that and, like I said, taking it one game at a time."

The Roadmap

1. Great fall camp (starts now)
2. Beat Miami (Ohio) Week 1 (Sept. 5)
3. Win the ACC Championship
4. Make the College Football Playoff (12-team format)

Summary

FAQ

Why do people criticize Narduzzi if he’s been there so long?

Because in 6 of his 11 seasons, the team won only 7 or 8 games. At a "Power 4" program like Pitt, many fans expect 9+ wins and conference titles more often.

What does "blind side" mean?

For a right-handed quarterback, the left side is the blind side — he can’t see defenders coming from that direction while looking downfield to throw. The left tackle protects that side.

What is the "transfer portal"?

It’s a system where college players can enter their name and transfer to another school without sitting out a year (under current rules). It’s like free agency in pro sports.

What is "fall camp"?

It’s the intense practice period (usually 3-4 weeks) before the season where teams put on full pads, install their playbooks, and compete for starting jobs.

What’s the College Football Playoff format now?

As of 2024, it expanded to 12 teams. The 5 highest-ranked conference champions get automatic bids, plus 7 at-large teams. Winning the ACC Championship would give Pitt an automatic spot.

Year 12 begins Wednesday. The real test starts Sept. 5 against Miami (Ohio). Can Narduzzi’s loyalty finally translate into a championship legacy? The Panthers are betting yes.