Pitt’s Narduzzi Appears to Blame Loss on Players, Quickly Backtracks After Criticism From Team

The Panthers coach had strong words after losing 58–7 to Notre Dame.

Pittsburgh had one of its worst days in recent memory Saturday, doing almost nothing right in a blowout 58–7 loss to No. 14 Notre Dame.

However, things may have gone from bad to worse for the Panthers after the game.

Questioned by reporters postgame, Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi seemingly lay blame for the Panthers' regression at the feet of his players.

“We lost a lot of good players last year,” Narduzzi said. “We thought we’d replace them and we obviously didn’t do a good job with that.”

The quote, posted by Pittsburgh Post-Gazette writer Noah Hiles, promptly drew incredulous reactions from Pitt's players mere hours after the game went final.

Narduzzi: "We lost a lot of good players last year. We thought we'd replace them and we obviously didn't do a good job with that."

— Noah Hiles (@_NoahHiles) October 28, 2023

Public critics on the Panthers' roster included running back Derrick Davis Jr., defensive back Ryland Gandy, running back Rodney Hammond Jr., tight end Gavin Bartholomew and others.

lol crazy world… https://t.co/A3D9hX4jZe

— Ryland Gandy (@iamrdg10) October 29, 2023

Seemingly clocking how his quote had been received, Narduzzi quickly clarified his statement on social media, echoing a statement he made later in the press conference.

I am 100% responsible for today’s loss. Like I said after the game, it starts with me. I didn’t do a good enough job coaching today. Put it on me! I remain committed to finishing the season strong with our team!

— Pat Narduzzi (@CoachDuzzPittFB) October 29, 2023

Pitt is 2–6 in 2023 after going 20–7 from 2021 to ’22, its winningest two-year span since 1980 to ’81.