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PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 31: head coach Jeff Capel of the Pittsburgh Panthers looks on during the first half in the game against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Petersen Events Center on January 31, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
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Embattled Pittsburgh head men’s basketball coach Jeff Capel will remain at the school after much speculation that he could be fired.
Pitt finished 13-20 this season, 5-13 in the ACC. Capel, 51, is 127-127 in eight seasons at the ACC school, with one NCAA Tournament appearance.
His buyout was reported to be in the neighborhood of $13-15 million.
“I have made the decision that Jeff Capel will continue to lead our men’s basketball program," Pitt AD Allen Green said in a statement. "I believe our best path forward is leadership continuity paired with clear expectations and a willingness to evolve.
"This was not a simple decision and I believe you deserve to understand the thinking behind it.
"To be blunt, this season fell well short of our expectations. Our level of investment in this year's team was sufficient enough for us to reach the NCAA Tournament at a minimum. Simply fighting to qualify for the ACC Tournament is not good enough, and I am sure you feel the same way.
"At the same time, our student-athletes continued to compete with effort, pride and resilience through a difficult season. They fought until the end and represented this University with toughness. Effort alone is not enough. We must be better going forward. I know it. Jeff knows it. And you know it. Jeff and I will continue to examine every aspect of the program and will make the necessary changes.
"Over the last 10 months, we have taken important steps to modernize our program. We hired a men's basketball general manager who has been evaluating our current roster and strengthening our approach to talent evaluation, roster construction and transfer portal strategy.
“In today's college basketball landscape, teams that win in March are typically anchored by players with maturity and toughness. Building a roster with those characteristics will be a central priority moving forward.”
Pitt has the No. 12-ranked recruiting class in the nation, per 247Sports.com.
“Our focus turns to welcoming a highly regarded recruiting class, retaining key contributors and strategically using the transfer portal to add experience and balance," Greene said.
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