Could some members of the Pitino family return to Louisville? According to various sources, Richard Pitino has emerged as a leading candidate to become the University of Louisville’s head coach.
Josh Heird, the University of Louisville’s athletic director, has spoken with Pitino multiple times in recent days.
The 41-year-old Pitino, son of former University of Louisville head coach Rick Pitino, recently completed his third season at New Mexico. The Lobos ended 26-10, but won the Mountain West Conference Tournament title and advanced to the NCAA Tournament. Last Friday, New Mexico lost to Clemson in the tournament’s first round.
The 41-year-old Pitino, son of former University of Louisville head coach Rick Pitino, recently completed his third season at New Mexico. The Lobos ended 26-10, but won the Mountain West Conference Tournament title and advanced to the NCAA Tournament. Last Friday, New Mexico lost to Clemson in the tournament’s first round.
The University of Louisville is looking for a new coach after firing Kenny Payne two weeks ago following a 12-52 record in two seasons.
Heird targeted Baylor’s Scott Drew, who stated that he would stay in Waco, Texas, and then Florida Atlantic’s Dusty May, who accepted the available position at Michigan.
Pitino is a relatively new name. He appears to be one of the top prospects for the available position, with Indiana State’s Josh Shertz, Charleston’s Pat Kelsey, and Seton Hall’s Shaheen Holloway all still in the running.
The younger Pitino was an assistant coach at the University of Louisville under his father from 2007 to 2009 before moving to Florida to work with Billy Donovan. Pitino returned to Louisville for the 2011-12 season, serving as assistant head coach as the Cardinals advanced to the Final Four.
Pitino coached Florida International for one season, going 18-14 in 2012-13, before leaving to take the position at Minnesota. He spent eight seasons
Pitino’s lone win in the NCAA Tournament came in 2019, when he knocked off Louisville in the first round.
In three years at New Mexico, Pitino has a 61-41 overall record.
