Is it finally time for Rick Pitino to move into a higher-level job?
According to Sports Illustrated, Pitino is one of ten coaches who will shape the men’s basketball coaching carousel for next season.
SI says there is speculation that Pitino, who is currently the head coach at Iona, could return to a high major job.
Here is an excerpt from the article:
Rick Pitino, Iona
Speculation that Pitino could return to a high-major job has run rampant in industry circles since the legendary coach avoided NCAA punishments tied to the FBI investigation that rocked college basketball. Scandals aside, Pitino is one of the sport’s most accomplished coaches, and his being available on the open market gives ADs a chance to hire as close to a “sure thing” as can be found.
That said, actually hiring Pitino is much harder than talking about hiring Pitino. He’s 70 years old and comes with major baggage that might make a college president or board reluctant to make him the face of the institution. Hiring Pitino is inviting a spectacle. Still, could he refresh a moribund Big East program like Georgetown or St. John’s as a final act in his storied and controversial career?
