Pitt’s Head Coach Commends Hiring Of New Athletic Director

Pat Narduzzi, the head coach of the Pitt Panthers, commended the recent hire of the new athletic director.

The University of Pittsburgh stated that they have appointed Allen Greene as the new athletic director, and football head coach Pat Narduzzi expressed only positive remarks.

Narduzzi talked at a press conference about the upcoming Syracuse game on Oct. 24. However, the announcement of the new athletic director also took place, allowing him to address the hiring decision. Like all the others, he learned about the hiring this morning and chatted with Greene to offer congratulations on getting the job.

“First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude to Chancellor Gabel for her excellent work on this matter,” commented Narduzzi. I believe that Allen is an excellent choice for the job. I believe you couldn’t have found a better person anywhere in the world.

Narduzzi and Greene first crossed paths at a Fiesta Frolic event in Arizona in 2017 or 2018. The pair was matched up to play a round of golf on a stunning course and enjoyed each other’s company all day. They remained in contact constantly, a connection that has continued into the present day.

“I wanted to keep in contact with him,” Narduzzi said. This guy was sort of the best of the best. And it begins with the individuals. I haven’t seen how he managed a sports department. I’m not concerned about that. The chancellor handled it. However, when it comes to individuals and their desire to collaborate, the chancellor made an extraordinary decision in hiring that person, which is highly important.

I express gratitude to her and am thrilled to collaborate with Allen once more. Spoke with him earlier today, also wished congratulations to him and his family. He is excited to be here. I think you will have an understanding next week, and we will have an opportunity to meet next week, the two of us. However, he is looking forward to it. “And that’s pretty much all I have to say on the subject.”

Greene replaces Heather Lyke as the new athletic director after Chancellor Joan Gabriel removed Lyke from the position in September, following her more than seven years in the role.

“Pitt Athletics acts as the main entrance to the University of Pittsburgh, providing an important gateway for many within our campus, our region, our nation, and globally,” stated Gabel in a press statement. Allen Greene is a proven national leader who embodies the values of Pitt and has the necessary experience and qualities to enhance our athletics program both on the field and in academics. Talking to Allen and numerous acquaintances who are familiar with him, it is evident that he is the one who will effectively guide us into the upcoming era of college sports.

A crucial aspect of Greene’s role is to secure funding not only for the sports program, but also for NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) to ensure that student-athletes at Pitt are properly compensated.

In her statement following Lyke’s departure, Gabel expressed the need for a fresh perspective in college sports and someone who can adapt to the evolving environment, qualities that Greene possesses.

Narduzzi stated that Greene is not only a fundraiser but will also go above and beyond to ensure the athletic department’s success.

“…I believe that everything holds significance, don’t you agree? “We have problems if that’s all he has,” Narduzzi stated. I believe he possesses all the necessary qualities and characteristics. The significance of this is better suited for the chancellor to address, but I do believe every aspect is crucial. You can’t only have someone who specializes in one thing, saying “I’m good at this, but I’ll handle those as well.” I believe he is a celebrity. I believe he is a superstar because he is an amazing individual. He possesses a character. He will go out to assist in raising funds for us. “If it’s for the University of Pittsburgh athletic department or for NIL and our collective, I believe he has the ability to handle it all.”