1/12/2021 11:00:00 AM
PITTSBURGH—Pitt
defensive coordinator Randy Bates has been
named the Football Bowl Subdivision Assistant
Coach of the Year by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA),
the organization announced today.
Bates, who recently completed his third season at Pitt, was chosen from a
national pool of 26 candidates distinguished by their performance on the field
and in their communities.
This past season, Bates orchestrated
a defensive unit that led the country in total sacks (46) and tackles for loss
(a school-record 111). The Panthers also boasted lofty national rankings in
rushing defense (third, 93.5 yards/game), passes intercepted (ninth, 14 INTs),
turnovers gained (13th, 20 total) and total defense (20th, 339.5 yards/game).
The unit's exceptional play was a continuation from 2019, when Pitt ranked
first in sacks per game (3.92), 12th in rushing defense (108.5 yards/game) and
15th in total defense (312.9 yards/game).
A 35-year member of the AFCA, Bates currently serves on the organization's FBS
Assistant Coaches Committee. He is a retired Naval Lieutenant who visits the
local Veterans Affairs Hospital and buys more than 100 tickets annually to Pitt
football games so area veterans can attend.
"This is a tremendously humbling honor that I gratefully accept on behalf
of Coach (Pat) Narduzzi, my fellow assistants and, most importantly, the
outstanding young men who proudly wear that Pitt helmet each fall
Saturday," Bates said. "It really is a program award and I'm thrilled
to share it with our entire Pitt football family."
"Randy Bates represents the
very best of the coaching profession," Narduzzi said. "He's a teacher
first and foremost. I love that Randy is so passionate and committed to the
people he works with, especially our players. He's a great leader for not only
our student-athletes, but also our staff. Randy is very deserving of this award."
The Assistant Coach of the Year award was first presented in 1997 and was
created to honor assistant coaches who excel in community service, commitment
to the student-athlete, on-field coaching success and AFCA professional
organization involvement.
The criteria for the award is not limited to on-field coaching ability or the
success of the team and the players whom these assistant coaches work with.
Service to the community through charitable work and other volunteer
activities, participation in AFCA activities and events, participation in other
professional organizations and impact on student-athletes are all taken into
account in the selection process.
Winners of the Assistant Coach of the Year Award will receive a plaque to
commemorate their recognition. Bates was honored today during the 2021 virtual
AFCA Convention.