Pitt AD justifies Narduzzi's new deal: 'You have to believe before it happens'

Pitt athletic director Heather Lyke defended her decision to award head coach Pat Narduzzi a new long-term contract coming off a five-win season.

"He is a leader," Lyke said at a press conference Friday to announce the new pact. "He is a difference-maker. He is incredibly genuine and has great expectations. We're thrilled to have him as our coach."

Narduzzi, who inked a seven-year deal with the Panthers, led the program to a pair of eight-win seasons in 2015 and 2016, respectively, but regressed to a 5-7 mark this year.

"You have to believe before it happens," Lyke added. "And we believe we can build a championship-caliber football program here at Pitt."

Under Narduzzi, Pitt has notched huge victories over Clemson and Miami within the last two seasons. However, the Panthers' play in many of their other outings has left something to be desired.