Pitt AD Heather Lyke: Coach Pat Narduzzi improving, more work to do

DETROIT — Heather Lyke said Thursday night Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi “continues to become a better head coach every year,” but she added the quest to lift the Panthers to a desired level of excellence is far from finished.

“I think we’ve got a lot to do in the offseason to evaluate everything in the program, which we do every year,” said Lyke, speaking with reporters prior to the Quick Lane Bowl at Ford Field. “I don’t think this year is different in any way.”

After Pitt only won 19 games in the past three regular seasons and took a two-game losing streak into Thursday’s game, Lyke said she’s optimistic about the future under Narduzzi, who is signed through 2024.

“I would say it was a disappointing ending to the season, a lot of positives to take from it,” she said. “I think there’s a tremendous amount of talent coming back and a real opportunity to make an impact next season. The schedule tees up pretty well. We’re excited about what’s to come next year.”

Pitt’s 2020 nonconference schedule next season includes one Power 5 school — Notre Dame at Heinz Field — plus Miami (Ohio), Richmond and Marshall. All four games are at the outset of the season, compared to this season when Pitt opened with eventual ACC Coastal champion Virginia and lost, 30-14.

“I don’t feel like we were in our groove right out of the gate,” she said, noting the team was getting used to first-year offensive coordinator Mark Whipple. “I feel (if) we played Virginia later in the season, we could have performed much better.”

She also referenced Pitt’s inability to finish games and how progress was impeded by numerous penalties. Pitt’s 98 penalties in 12 games ranked 123^rd of 130 FBS teams.

“Finish some games, eliminate some penalties, do some things (differently) that we were all disappointed in in many ways, (Narduzzi) included,” she said. “No one takes it harder than him. No one expects more than him. But I’ve got a lot of confidence in his staff and keeping the continuity of that staff together. They’re very, very good.”

Lyke made no promises, but she said she expects no staff changes after the season.

“You never know. We’re still in bowl season. But I don’t anticipate it,” she said. “I feel that coach Narduzzi really values his coaching staff, and they are a great unit and have come together very strong. We’re going to do what we can to keep our coaches.”

Staff continuity is important, she said.

“It’s significant, yeah, if you look at any tremendous programs that have been able to build and sustain some level of success,” Lyke said. “Our goal is to make Pitt a destination place where you can win ACC championships and compete for national championships across the board.

“You win with people and we start there. If they go on and become head coaches, that’s sort of a different story. But we want to keep them here.”