University of Pittsburgh Director of Athletics Heather Lyke announced today a three-year contract extension for head men’s basketball coach Jeff Capel that ensures his leadership of the Panthers through at least the 2029-30 season.
“When Coach Capel initially arrived at Pitt in 2018, he was tasked with one of the most difficult rebuilding jobs in all of college basketball,” Lyke said. “Jeff fully embraced that challenge from the outset and never wavered from his lofty vision for our players and program. Brick-by-brick, he built a rock-solid foundation that has Pitt basketball poised for a championship future. Jeff is an outstanding leader well beyond the court and we are highly fortunate to have him representing the University of Pittsburgh. I’m incredibly pleased to announce this extension of his contract and look forward to the continued ascendance of Pitt basketball under his direction.”
Over the past two seasons, Capel has guided the Panthers to 46 wins, including 26 in ACC play (fourth most in the conference). He has compiled a 97-92 record in six seasons at the helm of the program and was named the 2023 ACC Coach of the Year as well as a national coach of the year finalist.
“The University of Pittsburgh continues to have outstanding leadership under Chancellor Joan Gabel and Director of Athletics Heather Lyke,” said Capel. “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.”
Pitt returns four of its top six scorers from a year ago with the backcourt of Ishmael Leggett and Jaland Lowe leading the way. Leggett averaged 12.3 points, while leading the team in rebounding (5.5 rpg.) and steals (41) en route to earning ACC Sixth Man of the Year honors. Lowe came on strong over the final three months of the season averaging 12.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game in ACC play.
The Panthers have also added two-time All-AAC selection Damian Dunn (1,288 points, 373 rebounds, 191 assists in 109 career games) and rising junior Cameron Corhen (528 points, 223 rebounds in 60 career games) via the transfer portal.
