Joe Luxbacher Retires as Pitt Men's Soccer Coach

Nov. 3, 2015

PITTSBURGH—Joe Luxbacher, whose name became synonymous with Pitt men’s soccer first as a star player and later a coach, has announced his retirement.

Luxbacher recently concluded his 32^nd year as head coach of the Panthers, a tenure that began in 1984 and witnessed more than 200 wins and numerous milestone moments. He also served the program as an assistant coach (1983) and was a decorated player from 1970-73. 

Luxbacher is one of only two head coaches in the 62-year history of men’s soccer at Pitt. His mentor and college coach, Leo Bemis, led the program from its inaugural season in 1954 through 1983.

“I've spent more than 30 years at Pitt, first as a student-athlete, then a graduate student, and later as a coach,” Luxbacher said. “I've enjoyed many great experiences, met many fine people and made lifelong friendships with many individuals both within and also outside of the athletic department. As a college soccer coach, I've worked with many outstanding young men over years and hope that in some way I’ve had a positive impact on them.

“While I enjoy coaching and love the sport, I also have many other interests outside of soccer. Coaching at the collegiate level can be an all-consuming job and I simply feel that this is the right time to turn the page and pursue some of my other varied interests. I am pretty sure that I will stay involved in the game of soccer in some manner, although not primarily as the coach of a team.

“On a personal note, I greatly appreciate all of the help and support I have received over the years from members of Pitt’s athletic department. They made my job even more enjoyable. Pitt has a great team of coaches in place, a talented and committed group of women and men. I wish them much success and plan to follow their achievements going forward.”

“Joe leaves a wonderful legacy at the University of Pittsburgh,” Athletic Director Scott Barnes said. “Using his own experience as a Pitt student-athlete, he has impacted countless lives, on and off the field. He is a lifelong Panther and for that we are eternally grateful.”

Luxbacher was a two-time Big East Coach of the Year. His 1995 team is considered one of the finest in Pitt history, winning a school-record 14 games, including the program’s first victory in the Big East Championship tournament. In 2000, Luxbacher directed the Panthers to 13 wins and an unprecedented No. 7 national ranking. 

He finishes his career as Pitt’s all-time winningest soccer coach with a 224-267-69 record. He was also the head coach at Mt. Union College, where he was 24-12-1 from 1978-81.

As a Pitt player, Luxbacher set school records for goals in a game (seven), points in a game (15), career goals (37) and career points (84). He was Pitt’s captain and Most Valuable Player as a senior and concluded his career averaging 28 points per season.

Professionally, he played with the Philadelphia Atoms of the North American Soccer League (NASL) and the Pittsburgh Spirit of the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL). He has the distinction of scoring the Spirit’s first goal in franchise history. Luxbacher also played with a select team that toured Europe.

Luxbacher graduated from Pitt in 1974 with a B.S. in biological sciences. He went on to earn his M.Ed. in health, physical education and recreation (1978), and Ph.D. in administration of physical education and athletics (1985).

In 2003, Luxbacher was honored as an Awardee of Distinction by the Pitt Varsity Letter Club for his numerous personal and professional achievements following his graduation from the university.

 
The search for Luxbacher’s successor will begin immediately.

Joe Luxbacher Retires as Pitt Men's Soccer Coach

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