Pitt rewards men's soccer coach Jay Vidovich with contract extension through 2025

Pitt coupled success with stability in its men’s soccer program Wednesday, announcing a contract extension that will keep coach Jay Vidovich with the team at least through the 2025 season.

Vidovich, a five-time ACC Coach of the Year, led Pitt to the best season in its 67-year history in a covid-interrupted 2020-21. The Panthers (16-4, 9-1) were named No. 1 in the nation by United Soccer Coaches on two occasions, won the ACC Coastal Division championship on its way to a No. 2 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament and a trip to the College Cup, the Final Four of men’s soccer.

“Under the leadership of Jay Vidovich, our men’s soccer program has undergone an extraordinary transformation,” Athletic Director Heather Lyke said in a statement. “The team’s run to this year’s College Cup was truly remarkable, especially considering where the program was upon his arrival just five years prior.

“The University of Pittsburgh is thrilled to have coach Vidovich leading our program well into the coming decade. Given his incredible track record, we know more historic successes are on the way.”

Vidovich and his staff developed the first All-Americans in program history, Valentin Noel (first team) and Jasper Löeffelsend (second team). Among Pitt’s 14 ACC postseason awards, Noel was named Offensive Player of the Year and Löeffelsend was chosen as Defensive Player of the Year. Freshman of the Year honors went to Bertin Jacquesson. Plus, Vidovich was named conference coach of the year.

Noel also was the first finalist in Pitt history for the MAC Hermann Trophy that is presented to the top male and female collegiate soccer players in the nation.

Before Vidovich arrived in 2016, Pitt never had won an ACC game, but the first came the following season against No. 21 Syracuse. It was the Panthers’ first victory against a ranked team since 2008. He also led Pitt to its first ACC Tournament victory in 2018 and a year later to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1965.

“My family and I are excited that Heather Lyke has provided us with the opportunity to continue our project with the Pitt men’s soccer program,” Vidovich said in a statement. “It’s an honor to lead Pitt men’s soccer and to represent our jersey.

“I appreciate the leadership and support within the university and our athletic department. I’m excited to continue our work alongside such a talented staff and, of course, leading a group of hard working, committed student-soccer players as we strive to win on and off the field.

“Our challenge now is to continue to push to improve and evolve as a program as we pursue future success for the university. I look forward to the next chapter in Pitt soccer history.”

Vidovich, who coached Wake Forest to the 2007 NCAA Tournament championship, has compiled an all-time record of 316-165-56, 44-44-6 at Pitt and 26-12-2 in the past two seasons.