Pittsburgh Basketball Retains Head Coach Jeff Capel for 2026-27 Season

Despite another losing season, the Panthers will give Capel another chance to turn the program around.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 7:06pm

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After a 13-20 overall and 5-13 conference record this past season, the Pittsburgh Panthers have decided to retain head coach Jeff Capel for the 2026-27 campaign. Athletic director Allen Greene noted the program has "high expectations" that haven't been met, but Capel's $15 million buyout likely played a role in the decision to give him another year.

Why it matters

Capel has struggled to turn around the Panthers since taking over in 2018, with the team posting a 127-127 record in his tenure. This decision signals the program is willing to be patient with Capel, but he will be under significant pressure to show progress next season or risk being let go.

The details

Following Pittsburgh's second-round exit from the ACC Tournament, Greene and Capel met to evaluate the program's direction. Despite the team's fifth losing season overall and sixth in conference play under Capel, the university has decided to retain him as head coach for the 2026-27 season.

  • Pittsburgh's season ended with a loss in the second round of the ACC Tournament on March 10, 2026.
  • In the days after the season-ending loss, Greene and Capel met to discuss the program's future.

The players

Jeff Capel

The head coach of the Pittsburgh Panthers men's basketball team, who has a 127-127 record in his tenure since 2018.

Allen Greene

The athletic director of the University of Pittsburgh, who oversees the basketball program.

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What they’re saying

“We have high expectations for our men's basketball program, and we haven't lived up to those expectations this year. Obviously, coach [Capel] knows that, the staff is aware of that, the players are aware of that. They want more out of what we got going on, and I know they're working their tails off to try to fix it.”

— Allen Greene, Athletic Director

What’s next

The university will be closely monitoring the team's progress next season, and Capel will be under significant pressure to show improvement and get the Panthers back to the NCAA Tournament.

The takeaway

This decision highlights the university's commitment to stability and patience with the basketball program, despite the team's recent struggles. Capel will have one more chance to turn things around and meet the high expectations of the Pittsburgh fanbase.