Northwestern linebackers coach Randy Bates leaving to become Pitt’s defensive coordinator

Northwestern linebackers coach Randy Bates is leaving the Wildcats to become University of Pittsburgh’s defensive coordinator, a source confirmed to the Tribune.

He is the first assistant on head coach Pat Fitzgerald’s staff to leave — other than longtime assistant coach Jerry Brown’s retirement after the Music City Bowl in December – since the 2010-11 season.

Bates, a veteran coach of 36 years, was one of Fitzgerald’s original hires during his first season in 2006. He previously served as defensive coordinator at Louisiana Tech.