University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Bowen Added to Coaching Staff
1/14/2026 10:00:00 AM | Football
PITTSBURGH—Head Coach Pat Narduzzi has officially added Joe Bowen to his coaching staff. Bowen joins Pitt as the program's linebackers coach and run game coordinator.
"Joe is going to bring us great energy and attention to detail," said Narduzzi. "Above all, he's coming to us from a conference I have a lot of respect for because of how tough, physical and well-coached it is. He has a strong understanding of what we want from our linebackers and the identity we want to establish in defending the run. I'm excited to have him as part of this coaching staff."
Bowen comes to Pitt after serving as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Buffalo from 2024–25.
In 2025, Bowen helped linebacker Red Murdock earn first-team All-MAC honors for the second straight season. Murdock led the MAC and ranked second nationally with 142 tackles, the eighth-highest single-season total in program history. He also recorded 13.5 tackles for loss, five sacks and six forced fumbles.
In 2024, Buffalo went 9–4 and won the Bahamas Bowl while leading the MAC in interceptions and setting a school record with 92 tackles for loss. Bowen coached Buffalo's first Consensus All-American in linebacker Shaun Dolac, the nation's leading tackler, and developed All-MAC standout Red Murdock, one of the FBS leaders in tackles and forced fumbles.
Bowen was named FootballScoop's 2024 Linebackers Coach of the Year. Prior to Buffalo, he spent two seasons at Miami (Ohio), helping the RedHawks win the 2023 MAC Championship and rank among the nation's top defenses. He has also coached at South Carolina, Florida State and Michigan State.
A native of Grand Rapids, Mich., Bowen earned his bachelor's degree from Miami University and a master's degree in kinesiology and health. He and his wife, Colette, have a daughter, Grace.
