University of Pittsburgh Athletics has announced a $20 million gift from alumnus Chris Bickell in support of its football program.

The largest single donation in Pitt Athletics history will help fund significant capital improvements, with $10 million to enhance the training, nutrition, and learning environment infrastructure for student-athletes and $10 million to create an endowment to support such efforts in perpetuity. In recognition of the gift, the head football coaching position at Pitt will be named the Chris Bickell '97 Head Football Coach.

Bickell has spent his career largely in the information technology industry, founding Liberty IT Solutions, where he served as partner until the company was acquired by Booz Allen Hamilton in 2021. He currently serves as CEO of WellHive, a firm that connects military veterans with healthcare services.

"I am a proud Pitt man, and it is my honor to give back to this great university," said Bickell. "I believe the leadership is in place to take Pitt Athletics and our football program to the next level. I hope my gift inspires others to do their part in making that happen."