PITTSBURGH – University of Pittsburgh athletic director Heather Lyke announced a three-year contract extension for men’s basketball coach Jeff Capel that secures his leadership of the Panthers through 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 this challenge from the beginning and never wavered in his lofty vision for our players and program. Brick by brick, he built a solid foundation that left Pitt basketball ready for a future championship. Jeff is an exceptional leader far beyond the courtroom, and we are fortunate to have him representing the University of Pittsburgh. I am extremely pleased to announce this contract extension and look forward to the continued rise of Pitt basketball under his direction.”
Over the past two seasons, Capel has led the Panthers to 46 wins, including 26 in ACC games (fourth-most in the league). 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 finalist for national coach of the year.
“The University of Pittsburgh continues to have outstanding leadership under the leadership of Chancellor Joan Gabel and Athletic Director Heather Lyke,” Capel said. “I appreciate the support they have given me and my team as we continue to build a Pitt men’s basketball program that competes annually for championships at the conference and national level. Pittsburgh is an incredible sports city full of incredible people and we are grateful for the continued support of so many passionate fans. We will continue to give 100% 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 the previous year, with the backcourt of Ishmael Leggett and Jaland Lowe leading the way. Leggett averaged 12.3 points while leading the team in rebounds (5.5) and steals (41) en route to earning ACC Sixth Man of the Year honors. Lowe excelled over the final three months of the season, averaging 12.0 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game in the ACC.
The Panthers also added two-time All-American Athletic Conference selection Damian Dunn (1,288 points, 373 rebounds, 191 assists in 109 career games at Houston and Temple) and junior Cameron Corhen (528 points, 223 rebounds in 60 career games at Florida State) through the transfer portal.
