Richard Pitino Set to Take Over as Xavier’s New Head Coach
In a move that has the college basketball world buzzing, Xavier is expected to hire New Mexico‘s Richard Pitino as its next head coach, sources told ESPN on Tuesday night. This decision marks a significant shift in the landscape of college basketball, as Pitino will now be coaching in the same league as his father, the legendary Hall of Famer Rick Pitino. Rick recently earned the Big East Coach of the Year title after leading St. John’s to both the league’s regular-season and tournament championships.
Richard Pitino is coming off what many consider his best season as a head coach. He led the Lobos to the second round of the NCAA tournament, where they faced a tough loss to 2-seed Michigan State on Sunday. The Lobos had an impressive 27-8 overall record and clinched the Mountain West regular-season title. They also secured a victory over 7-seed Marquette in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Over the past two seasons, Pitino has guided New Mexico to the NCAA tournament, boasting a remarkable 53-18 record during that span.
Before his successful stint in Albuquerque, which began in 2021, Pitino was the head coach at Minnesota for eight seasons. During his tenure with the Gophers, he led them to two NCAA tournament appearances, including a memorable first-round win over Louisville in 2019.
At Xavier, Pitino will be stepping into the shoes of Sean Miller, who was announced as Texas’ new coach Monday. Miller had spent the past three seasons at the helm of the Musketeers, marking his return to the program after initially leading them from 2005 to 2009.
Pitino’s name has been one of the hottest in this coaching cycle, with sources telling ESPN that he garnered interest from several prestigious programs, including Villanova, West Virginia, Virginia, and VCU. This widespread interest underscores his growing reputation as a top-tier coach in the college basketball arena.
Initially, Charleston’s Chris Mack, who previously served as Xavier’s head coach from 2009 to 2018 before a four-year stint at Louisville, was seen as the frontrunner to replace Miller. However, Mack announced on Tuesday night that he would be returning to the Cougars for his second season, leaving the door open for Pitino’s arrival at Xavier.
As the college basketball community reacts to this news, it’s clear that Richard Pitino’s move to Xavier is a significant development. His track record of success, combined with his ability to lead teams to the NCAA tournament, makes him a valuable asset for the Musketeers. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Pitino’s coaching style and strategies translate to his new role in the Big East.
- Richard Pitino’s coaching career highlights:
- Led New Mexico to a 27-8 record and the Mountain West regular-season title.
- Guided the Lobos to the NCAA tournament in each of the past two seasons.
- Previously coached Minnesota to two NCAA tournament appearances.
- Emerging as a top candidate in the current coaching cycle.
With the Pitino name now firmly entrenched in the Big East, the upcoming season promises to be an exciting one for Xavier fans. As the Musketeers prepare for this new chapter, the anticipation is palpable, and the expectations are high. Richard Pitino’s journey at Xavier is just beginning, and the college basketball world will be watching every step of the way.
Originally Written by: Jeff Borzello,Pete Thamel
