Jeff Capel didn’t smile much during Pitt’s 72-52 loss to Clemson on Wednesday night.

But Pitt’s coach couldn’t help but feel good — and, especially, grateful — when members of the Oakland Zoo serenaded him with a chorus of “Happy Birthday” before the game. Capel turned 45 on Wednesday.

“It was cool. It was a little bit embarrassing. I don’t like attention. I never have,” he said.

Despite the outcome, Pitt fans can’t complain about the trajectory of the program that has risen from 24-41 during the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons to 29-29 in nearly two years under Capel.

“I’m appreciative. I’m grateful. They were awesome,” Capel said.

“But, for me, I had my time as a player. This is about these guys. I want everything to be about our guys.”

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