PITTSBURGH – The winningest coach in Pitt baseball history, head coach Joe Jordano has signed a three-year extension to remain the skipper at the University of Pittsburgh.
Jordano is the winningest coach in program history and ranks among the top 30 of active head coaches with 819 career wins.
“I am excited to continue our plan to position Pitt baseball among the best,” said Jordano. “I have a great staff, a great group of dedicated players and an administration, led by Scott Barnes, that are committed to our program. Our best days lie ahead of us and we are all looking forward to the challenge. Hail to Pitt!”
A two-time Big East Coach of the Year, Jordano has guided his teams to 10 postseason appearances and averages nearly 30 wins per season. Since joining the Pitt family in November 1997, the Erie, Pa., native has coached 13 All-Americans, 19 All-Region selections, 53 All-Conference honorees and has had 58 players sign professional contracts, including 44 draftees and a first round selection.
Since the Panthers joined the ACC prior to the start of the 2013 season, Jordano has primed Pitt to reach new highs, competing in the nation’s premier baseball conference. In its inaugural season, Pitt downed three top-25 teams, with a sweep over No. 23 Georgia Tech in addition to wins over No. 17 North Carolina and No. 20 Clemson. The 2014 season also saw a first in program history as the Pitt squad knocked off the nation’s top team in No. 1 Virginia.
The 2015 group would continue to see growth, once again knocking off the nation’s top team and eventual NCAA Champion in a 1-0 victory over Virginia.
In 2016, Jordano coached four All-ACC selections, the first all-conference honorees as a member of the ACC. Charles Leblanc was named to the first team, eventual MLB first round pick T.J. Zeuch copped second team recognition, Nick Yarnall was named to the third team and Yaya Chentouf landed on the All-Freshman team. The 2016 squad also produced one of the most successful MLB Drafts in program history as Zeuch became the highest drafted player in Pitt history when he was selected with the 21st overall pick by the Toronto Blue Jays. Jordano saw four others sign big league deals as Leblanc was grabbed by Texas in the fourth round, Alex Kowalczyk was selected in the 12th round, Aaron Schnurbusch in the 28th and Yarnall in the 35th.
As a member of the Big East, Jordano earned Coach of the Year recognition in 2013 and 2004, leading the Panthers to a Big East runner-up finish in 2005 and the winningest season in program history in 2013 (42-17).
Prior to his time with Pitt, Jordano was the head coach of Mercyhurst College in his hometown of Erie, Pa., for 10 seasons, leading the Lakers to a record of 283-118 including two conference championships and five NCAA Division II Regional appearances.
A former four-year letterwinner and All-District performer himself, Jordano graduated from Westminster College with his bachelor’s degree, before obtaining a master’s in athletic administration from Slippery Rock. He resides in Cranberry Township with his wife, Michelle, sons, Matthew and Joseph, and daughter, Sophia.
