Pitt Hires Duke Assistant Basketball Coach Jeff Capel

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PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – The University of Pittsburgh has found their new men's basketball coach.

According to a press release, Jeff Capel will take over head coaching duties at Pitt. He had served as an assistant coach at Duke since 2011.

"Coach Capel is a high-energy leader committed to being a part of our university and the city of Pittsburgh. He has a tremendous basketball pedigree and a strong track record of recruiting, developing and mentoring high-quality student-athletes. His relentless work ethic, passion for the game and clear vision of how to build a program capable of competing at the highest levels in the ACC and on the national stage are impressive. I look forward to our student-athletes, fans, donors and the Oakland Zoo getting to know Coach Capel and his family and watching this program flourish under his direction," Pitt Athletic Director Heather Lyke said.

Prior to his time at Duke, Capel was a head coach at Oklahoma and Virginia Commonwealth University. Now, he's excited for the next chapter in his coaching career.

"I am honored to be named the head coach of the University of Pittsburgh men's basketball program," said Capel. "Pitt has a great tradition of success and I look forward to putting together a staff and team that will enable us to build on that tradition. As a lifelong Steelers fan, I know Pittsburgh as the 'City of Champions' and our goal from day one will be to recruit, coach and develop champions on the court, in the classroom and in the community."

Earlier this month, Pitt announced it had parted ways with Kevin Stallings after the Panthers completed an 8-24 season that included an 0-19 mark in Atlantic Coast Conference play.

In Stallings' two seasons at Pitt, the Panthers were just 24-41.