Randy Bates is calling it a career.
After four decades on the sidelines, Pitt’s longtime defensive coordinator will coach his final game in tomorrow’s Go Bowling Military Bowl against East Carolina. The university made the announcement Friday, confirming that Bates will retire following the bowl game, bringing to a close a coaching journey that began back in 1982.
And what a journey it’s been.
Bates took over as Pitt’s defensive coordinator in 2018, coming over from Northwestern, where he’d served as linebackers coach. Since then, he’s been a steady hand and a key architect behind one of the ACC’s most consistently disruptive defenses. Under his leadership, the Panthers didn’t just play tough-they played with an edge, a swagger that mirrored the man calling the plays.
In his seven seasons with Pitt, Bates helped mold the defense into a national force. Four of his players earned All-American honors, most recently junior linebacker Kyle Louis in 2024. Ten Panthers defenders were drafted during his tenure, including 2023 first-rounder and unanimous All-American Calijah Kancey, a game-wrecker who embodied Bates’ aggressive, attacking style.
Much of Bates’ success came from enhancing the defensive foundation laid by head coach Pat Narduzzi. Together, they built a unit that could smother the run and terrorize quarterbacks.
Pitt’s run defense ranked in the top 20 nationally in six of Bates’ seven years, and from 2019 to 2022, the Panthers were top five in the country in sacks every season-including tying for the national lead in 2020. That kind of consistency doesn’t happen by accident.
It’s the result of sharp game-planning, player development, and a relentless attention to detail.
Bates, in a statement released by the school, made sure to thank the people who made his journey possible-his wife Tracey and daughters Samantha, Alexandra, and Olivia, as well as the mentors and colleagues who shaped his career. He also gave a heartfelt nod to Narduzzi and the Pitt community, calling his time with the Panthers “one of the great privileges of my career.”
“Pitt is special because of its people,” Bates said. “And I will forever be proud of what we accomplished together.”
As for what’s next for Pitt’s defense, there are a couple of in-house candidates who could be in line to take the reins. Assistant Head Coach Cory Sanders is a logical option-he’s been in the press box alongside Bates, sharing that top-down view of the action.
Linebackers coach Ryan Manalac is another name to watch. Since joining the staff, he’s brought new energy to the linebacker corps, helping develop standout seasons from players like SirVocea Dennis, Kyle Louis, and Rasheem Biles.
But before any decisions are made, there’s still one more game to play. Pitt enters the Military Bowl with an 8-4 record, while East Carolina will be without its starting quarterback, Katin House, who’s already hit the transfer portal. The Pirates will be breaking in a new signal-caller against a defense that, even in transition, still knows how to bring pressure.
For Bates, the setting couldn’t be more fitting. The game will be played in Annapolis, home of the U.S.
Naval Academy-where Bates once coached and served as a Navy lieutenant. It’s a full-circle moment for a coach whose career has spanned more than 40 years, multiple programs, and countless players who’ve benefitted from his guidance.
“Randy Bates is everything you want in a coach, leader and man,” said Narduzzi. “He’s an elite football mind, but more importantly, he’s a tremendous teacher and mentor who made a lasting impact on our players and staff.”
That impact won’t fade anytime soon. Bates leaves behind a legacy built on toughness, discipline, and a deep commitment to his players. And while the Panthers will soon turn the page to a new era on defense, tomorrow’s game is all about honoring the man who helped define the last one.
One more game. One more chance to script a fitting final chapter.