Pat Narduzzi has been Michigan State's defensive coordinator since 2007
Pat Narduzzi was introduced as Pittsburgh's new head coach on Friday. (USATSI)

After another year of leading a terrific Michigan State defense, Pat Narduzzi will take his first head coaching job with Pittsburgh. 

Narduzzi was officially introduced to the Pittsburgh media in a news conference on Friday. He thanked his "Spartan Dawgs" and Mark Dantonio for "incredible" years at Michigan State. 

In a bit of news, Narduzzi confirmed that he will coach Michigan State's defense in the Cotton Bowl against Baylor.

"It's important to me because it's unfinished business," Narduzzi said.

Narduzzi's Michigan State defenses have ranked in the top 10 nationally in each of the last four seasons. He was named the winner of the 2013 Broyles Award, given to the nation's top assistant coach, and has interviewed with several schools but not yet accepted a head coaching job.

Shortly after Paul Chryst left for Wisconsin, Pitt decided to part ways with athletic director Steve Pederson and hire a football coach before bringing in its next athletic director. The good news for Pitt fans is that the school has backed up reports of a recommitment to the football program by hiring one of the most coveted assistants in the sport.

"Our goal was not only to find the best football coach but also a person who would uphold the values and mission of the University of Pittsburgh. In Pat Narduzzi we have found that person,” Dr. Randy Juhl, Pitt's acting athletic director said Friday. "His achievements on the football field are well documented. Pat is widely regarded as a rising star in the coaching profession who is ready to lead his own program. It was obvious from our conversations that he also embraces the responsibilities he has beyond the game. Pat wants to impact the lives of his student-athletes long after their Pitt careers end. We are excited about what our young men can accomplish, on and off the field, under his watch."

At Pitt, Narduzzi will have the talented offensive trio of quarterback Chad Voytik, running back James Conner and wide receiver Tyler Boyd to help make the transition easier while trying to improve a defense that ranked No. 12 in the ACC in yards per play allowed (5.43).