G.O.A.T. The Story of Fabio Pirlo (NCAA 14)

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Fabio Pirlo was born in Pittsburgh, PA in 1986. His parents immigrated from Italy to New York City in 1976. After 3 years in the banking industry Fabio’s father accepted a job working for U.S. Steel and the family moved. Fabio grew up in Schenley Heights, just a few blocks away from the University of Pittsburgh.

A bit of a rebel child, Fabio showed little interest in his family’s obsession with the Italian football club Juventus. Instead, Fabio embraced American Football and became an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Fabio began playing football in the 6th grade and became a student of the game, watching all the football he could on the weekends.

Fabio was a 3 year starter at inside linebacker in high school, and moved on to attend Penn State University where he played under Joe Paterno. During Fabio’s sophomore season Penn State finished with an 11-1 record. This would turn out to be Fabio’s last full season on the field as the rest of his career was plagued with injuries. In 2006 Fabio graduated from Penn State, but remained at the university as a graduate assistant, working on the defensive side of the ball for the next two seasons.

In 2008, Pirlo received his first full time job offer with Boston College. The Golden Eagles would make an ACC Championship game appearance in his first year. After three years of working with linebackers at Boston College, Fabio moved on to South Carolina where he would coach defensive line and linebackers over the next four seasons. In 2015, Pirlo received his first job as a defensive coordinator at Bowling Green State University where he helped the Falcons win a conference championship. Pirlo’s efforts were quickly recognized nation wide and many Power Five programs reached out to lure the young defensive coordinator away. Pirlo moved on to Oklahoma State University where the Cowboys had back to back 10 win seasons.

When Dan Mullen took the job at the University of Florida he called Pirlo and persuaded him to come be the defensive coordinator in The Swamp. The Gators went 29-9 over the next three years, and Fabio Pirlo became one of the hottest names in coaching. Rumor has it the 35 year old is itching for his first opportunity as a head coach…

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Cardinals Football Makes Splash Hire With Pirlo!

Muncie, IN --- The Ball State Cardinals have found their man. Fabio Pirlo has been hired to replace Mike Neu, who moved on after a 7-1 season during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pirlo inherits a program moving in the right direction, coming off its first ever bowl game win. Pirlo joins fellow MAC coach Sean Lewis as the youngest in the nation to lead FBS programs.

"I'm honored to be named the head football coach at this fine university. It means a lot when someone takes a chance on you, and that's exactly what Beth (Goetz, currently Ball State athletic director) has done. I've never been a head coach, so to have someone believe in me is huge. Beth and I share a vision for making this university in to a perennial power in the MAC, and I'm excited to get to work!" Pirlo said in his opening press conference.

Goetz has been hard at work making Ball State more attractive. In fact, the Cardinals will be getting a state of the art indoor football facility later this year. Only time will tell if Goetz's gamble will pay off, but the city of Muncie is more excited than we've seen it in years.

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Pirlo Finalizes Coaching Staff

Muncie, IL --- The Ball State University athletic department announced finalized contracts for the 2021 coaching staff today. Head coach Fabio Pirlo signed a 4 year deal worth $1.8 million. In addition, Pirlo has incentive bonuses for things like conference championships. Colin Johnson will remain on staff and has been promoted to offensive coordinator. He signed a 2 year deal worth $400k. David Turner joins the Ball State staff from Florida and will serve as the defensive coordinator. Turner's deal is identical to Johnson's.

"I feel like we got a great mix of guys in. I have to thank our athletic director, Beth Goetz, for providing us with the highest assistant salary pool the school has ever seen. These guys are going to work their tails off for the city of Muncie. There's no doubt in my mind that this staff will get the job done and bring championships to this university," Pirlo said in a press conference this morning. The Cardinals are rapidly approaching fall camp. Pirlo has hinted that some of the younger talent on the team could see ample playing time this season.

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Depth Charts Released as Cardinals Finish Fall Camp

Muncie, IN --- Coach Fabio Pirlo released Ball State's depth chart today as the squad wrapped up fall camp. In a complete shock sophomore running back Donny Marcus is listed as the starter, with his backup being true freshman Rico Barfield. The two youngsters beat out the upperclassmen on the roster and have a great opportunity with a solid offensive line in front of them. Quarterback Drew Plitt will lead the way again for the offense, looking to break school records this season.

Defensively, the Cardinals will be led by the inside linebacker duo of Jaylin Thomas and Brandon Martin. The two ball-hawking seniors will look to create havoc in the MAC this season. The biggest question mark for the Cardinal team going in to the season will be the secondary. While Amechi Uzodinma II is a solid corner, his counterparts are less than proven. Moving in to the season, pass defense will be a huge focus for Ball State.