Football
- Title:
- Director, Football Communications
- Phone:
- 412-618-8977
Mike Annarella joined the University of Pittsburgh athletic department in 2024 as the director of football communications.
Annarella joined the Panthers after a decade in the NFL, serving in public relations roles with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Green Bay Packers and most recently, as the communications manager for the Cleveland Browns.
With the Browns, he oversaw media responsibilities for the franchise’s roster and assistant coaching staff, as well as serving as lead researcher, writer and designer of all team-issued publications. In his seven years with Cleveland, Annarella saw four of his players win the Dino Lucarelli Award, given annually by the PFWA to a player who excels in their interactions with the media, teammates and community, including AP Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett.
Annarella earned his degree in public relations from Westminster College, where he played football and was named to the Academic All-America Team.
A native of New Castle, Pa., he currently resides in Pittsburgh's East Liberty neighborhood.
Beyond the BIo
What is your favorite aspect of working in Pitt’s athletic department?
The opportunity to not only aid our student-athletes’ personal and professional development during their time at Pitt and beyond, but to have a small part in helping make Pittsburgh the best sports town in the world.
What is your favorite thing to do in the city of Pittsburgh?
Exploring new restaurants and having dinner with friends and family, but nothing can beat a sunny afternoon at PNC Park.
Favorite Quote
“…all earthly ills yield to two all-potent remedies—time and silence.”
