Pitt hires Jay Vidovich as new men’s soccer coach

Pitt Athletic Director Scott Barnes has hired Jay Vidovich as the next men’s soccer coach, the University announced Friday.

Vidovich comes from a lengthy coaching background, having most recently helmed the Portland Timbers 2 in the United Soccer League for one season. Prior to that, Vidovich spent 21 seasons coaching at Wake Forest, where he led the team to the 2007 NCAA championship.

Vidovich replaces Joe Luxbacher, who retired after 32 seasons as Pitt’s head coach on Nov. 3.

“I’m thrilled to be back in the ACC leading a men’s soccer program with a rich history and such tremendous potential,” Vidovich said in a release. “From my very first phone conversation [with Barnes], I could sense the energy and enthusiasm behind the new leadership and vision at Pitt and I am honored to be a part of this impressive team of people”

Barnes said in a release that Vidovich’s track record and recruiting ability made the hire an easy decision.

“He is one of the most successful Power Five coaches in the country and has a proven ability to win and recruit at a national championship level,” Barnes said. “He is greatly respected by the soccer community.”

Vidovich won five ACC Coach of the Year awards between 2002-09 and two NSCAA National Coach of the Year awards, in 2007 and 2008. In 2008, he received the Walt Chyzowych Award for lifetime contributions within the sport.

Vidovich’s recruiting prowess has shown at the next level, as 35 of his former players moved on to professional leagues between 2002-14.

In his time at Wake Forest, Vidovich held a 272-121-50 career record and led the Demon Deacons to the NCAA Tournament in 13 of his final 14 seasons there.

“It is certainly an exciting time to be a Pitt Panther,” Vidovich said. “I would like to thank Scott Barnes and the search committee for providing me and my family with this opportunity and for welcoming us so warmly to this great city.”

sportsdesk

Share
Published by
sportsdesk

Recent Posts

Police blotter: March 21 to March 27

Thursday, March 21 An individual from the parking department reported one of their boot systems…

4 hours ago

Pitt athletics finish March with a full weekend

As the weekend approaches, Pitt athletics prepares for a pivotal weekend of conference play and…

6 hours ago

Take 4 | NFL rule changes, Steelers and Caleb Williams

In this week’s Take 4, The Pitt News Sports Desk gives its take on the…

6 hours ago

Opinion | My first time out of the country was life-changing and yours can be too

I always wanted to travel abroad. I always imagined myself going out of the country…

6 hours ago

Opinion | I am media literate and also don’t like ‘Poor Things’

Not only was “Poor Things” a personally unpleasant watch, but the story and certain choices…

6 hours ago

Carnegie Museum spotlights conservation efforts in latest Ancient Egypt exhibition

The Carnegie Museum of Natural History revealed its newly revamped Ancient Egypt collection in early…

6 hours ago