Richard Pitino has taken on a new role as the head coach of Xavier’s basketball team, a move that came as a surprise given his lack of prior ties to the program. Traditionally, Xavier has favored hiring coaches with connections to the school, as seen with past hires such as Sean Miller, Chris Mack, and Travis Steele.
Pitino, who was previously leading the team at New Mexico, expressed that the opportunity with Xavier came unexpectedly but was too good to pass up. During his introduction as coach, Pitino shared how the opportunity with Xavier stood out as an exciting prospect that resonated deeply with him.
His father, Rick Pitino, a seasoned coach at St. John’s, played a role in encouraging him to consider the offer with Xavier. Even though it meant the potential for facing his father’s team twice a year within the same conference, the elder Pitino believed in the fit for his son at Xavier.
Richard Pitino returns to coaching in the Big East, where he has past experience both as a student at Providence College and an assistant at Louisville. At New Mexico, Pitino had led the Lobos to remarkable achievements, including back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances and a commendable 27-8 season this past year.
Having been named the Mountain West Coach of the Year, Pitino left New Mexico with an impressive 88-49 record. His overall coaching record stands at 247-186, demonstrating his effectiveness and adaptability as a coach. His experience includes an earlier stint at Minnesota, where he coached the Golden Gophers to an NIT championship and two NCAA Tournament appearances.
Greg Christopher, Xavier’s athletic director, was impressed by Pitino’s resilience and growth in his career, particularly after his tenure at Minnesota ended under challenging circumstances. Christopher noted that Pitino’s ability to handle adversity and come back stronger was a significant factor in his hiring.
Pitino plans to bring an aggressive and dynamic style of play to Xavier, similar to his approach at New Mexico. His previous team excelled offensively with an average of 81.1 points per game and defensively by forcing turnovers from opponents. This high-tempo and fast-paced game strategy is one he believes resonates well with both players and fans.
With the task ahead of rebuilding Xavier’s roster, Pitino is set to bring much of his coaching staff from New Mexico to support the mission. Despite the challenges of the current transfer portal landscape, Pitino is committed to carefully constructing a team that embodies his competitive vision. He acknowledges the difficulty but emphasizes the excitement and dedication involved in the process.