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(New York, NY) — Rick Pitino is back under the bright lights.
The Hall of Fame coach will sign a six-year contract to become the head coach at St. John’s, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. While the exact specifics are unknown, CBS is reporting that the deal is for around $20 million. He will be introduced at a news conference Tuesday afternoon at Madison Square Garden.
Pitino, 70, spent the last three seasons at Iona, and informed the Gaels in a meeting Monday afternoon that he was leaving the job. Overall, he finished 64-22, making two NCAA tournaments.
He thanked the Iona administration and his players in a series of tweets Monday. “I’m not sad it ended. I’m so grateful it happened,” he tweeted, adding: “To my players, the last three years. All I can say is you know how much I love you.”
Pitino also expressed his excitement for this next chapter.
“One of my great coaching memories was having the distinct privilege of coaching against Lou Carnesecca and St. John’s, a Hall of Fame coach and historic program that I have always respected,” Pitino said. “It is surreal to now have this opportunity to bring St John’s back to prominence.” Pitino replaces Mike Anderson, who was fired after four seasons. Anderson had a 68-56 overall record and no trips to the NCAA tournament. St. John’s hasn’t won a game in the tournament since 2000.
The 70-year-old is the only coach in NCAA history to lead three programs to the Final Four (Providence, Kentucky and Louisville), winning national titles with Kentucky and Louisville.
