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Cincinnati, Ohio - Pat Narduzzi, University of Cincinnati defensive coordinator, has been appointed interim head football coach for the team's postseason bowl game, Director of Athletics Mike Thomas announced.

      Winners of four of their last five games, the Bearcats will accept a bowl invitation in the next week, the fifth for the program out of the last seven seasons.

      Narduzzi, 40, has served as UC's defensive coordinator for the past three seasons.  His defensive units have mimiced the energetic style in which the coach approaches the game, featuring an attacking style of play.

Narduzzi's defense is ranked 21st nationally in tackles for loss, 23rd in pass efficiency defense, 27th in rushing defense and 36th in total defense.

      In his 17th season as a college coach, Narduzzi has built a reputation as a defensive coach during previous stints at Miami University, Northern Illinois and Rhode Island. 

      "It is extremely important that we retain continuity on our sideline for the final game of our season" said Thomas.  "I have confidence that Pat and our staff will work together and prepare our team well for the challenge that we will face in the bowl."

      "I am grateful to Dr, Zimpher and Mike Thomas for the honor of serving as head coach for our 13th game" said Narduzzi.  "The next month will be a very busy time with final exams, bowl preparation, conditioning and recruiting. Our staff looks forward to working together and putting the best effort forward for UC."

      The 2006 UC team (7-5 OVERALL, 4-3 BIG EAST) finished the regular season this past Saturday with a 26-23 win at UConn this past Saturday.

      Thomas added that UC "will move forward with a national search and will begin the process immediately. I ask that all Bearcats remain steadfast in their support of our student-athletes as we continue our season with the bowl game. The future for Cincinnati Football is very bright."

      The search process may include interested parties from the current Cincinnati football staff along with other collegiate and professional coaches.

      Thomas adds that "Cincinnati is a great football job in one of the finest conferences in all of college football, the BIG EAST." Our plan is to find a core group of candidates and then aggressively pursue the top choice and keep the momentum of the 2006 season moving forward towards a great season in 2007."