Narduzzi officially takes over at Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pat Narduzzi is the next man up at Pittsburgh.

The Panthers officially announced the longtime Michigan State defensive coordinator as their new coach Friday. Narduzzi replaces Paul Chryst, who left Pitt last week after three seasons to become the coach at Wisconsin.

Narduzzi won the Broyles Award as the nation’s top assistant in 2013, when Michigan State’s defense helped the Spartans to a 13-1 record and the No. 3 spot in the final poll.

The hiring is a homecoming of sorts for the 48-year-old Narduzzi. He grew up in Youngstown, Ohio, while his father coached at Youngstown State from 1975-85.

Narduzzi takes over a program looking to gain traction in the ACC. The Panthers are 6-6 heading into the Armed Forces Bowl against Houston on Jan. 2.

For more details, read Saturday's Vindicator or Vindy.com.