Jeff Capel is still in Pittsburgh
Heather Lyke, the Panthers’ athletic director, stated Friday that they remain committed to Capel. Capel is currently 51-69 in his four seasons as the Panthers’ new coach, Kevin Stallings. This includes an 11-21 mark this season.
Lyke stated that she and Capel shared the disappointment of the past season. She said she expected to be farther along in building the program back to a source of pride for Pitt, but she added that she is confident Jeff will continue to evaluate and assess every aspect of the program and work tirelessly in order to keep it going the right way.”
Since Jamie Dixon, his alma mater and TCU’s departure in 2016, the Panthers have lost six consecutive seasons. Stallings was fired after only two years. Capel was hired to bring the program back to respectability, but it has been difficult to build momentum.
The seasons of Pitt under Capel follow a similar pattern. The Panthers are strong early in Atlantic Coast Conference play, but then fade down the stretch. The season ended with five consecutive losses, including a loss at North Carolina. It began in February with a three-game winning streak.
Capel was upset after being drilled by Boston College in round one of the ACC Tournament. He said that the Panthers must improve their roster if the team wants to be competitive. Although the transfer portal is a quick fix, time is running out.
Capel stated in a statement that they will “do what it takes to be known as a team that will outwork opposition and compete with an intensity and toughness that is unrivaled.” We have the potential to quickly turn the tide by tackling every aspect of the offseason, from player development to recruiting to coaching style and playing style.
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