Rick Pitino’s Future at St. John’s: A Commitment to Coaching Excellence

St. John’s University is firmly committed to making Rick Pitino, the Hall of Fame coach, the figurehead of their basketball program for the long haul. As the team makes strides in the competitive landscape of college basketball, university leadership sees Pitino as a pivotal asset for their future.

Pitino’s Impact on the Program

Rick Pitino has revitalized the St. John’s basketball program since his arrival, achieving remarkable milestones:

• Championship Titles: Last season, he guided the Red Storm to both the Big East regular season and postseason championships.
• NCAA Success: Under his leadership, the team celebrated its first NCAA tournament victory in 25 years.
• Preseason Ranking: St. John’s is currently fifth in the Associated Press preseason poll, marking the highest ranking in the school’s history.

Building for the Future

The university’s leadership is eager to ensure Pitino remains part of their future. On a recent groundbreaking for a new basketball facility, Athletic Director Ed Kull stated, “From my perspective, we’re going to do anything and everything it takes to keep Rick Pitino here. Whatever it takes, you have my word, we’re keeping Rick Pitino here.”

This commitment includes potential revisions to Pitino’s current contract, which is set to run through six years but places him as the sixth-highest paid coach in the Big East.

A Strategic Approach to Contract Negotiations

Despite being pursued by a Power Five school last offseason, Pitino opted to stay with St. John’s. His agent, Evan Daniels, explained their previous attempts to negotiate a reworked deal ultimately fell short. He emphasized, “We believe with what he’s accomplished, he should be paid among the top coaches in the country.”

Current Salary Position

• Current Rank: Pitino holds the sixth position in salary among Big East coaches, a figure many believe is not reflective of his achievements.

University President Father Brian Shanley acknowledged the need for a salary review in light of Pitino’s success, stating, “I know the price is going to go up, and I think we’re going to be able to get the resources to get to where we need to go.”

The Coach’s Commitment

Pitino’s fervor for coaching remains evident as he considers his options at the end of each season. After experiencing retirement following his departure from Louisville in 2017, he quickly realized his passion for the game was unshakeable. “I missed [coaching] too much,” Pitino noted last season.

Ensuring Long-Term Success

Both Kull and Shanley have expressed their desire to sit down with Pitino post-season to discuss strategies to keep him satisfied and invested in the program’s direction. “What is it going to take to keep you happy and keep you here?” Shanley remarked, emphasizing their commitment to understanding Pitino’s needs.

Conclusion

St. John’s is poised to maintain its momentum as a strong contender in college basketball, with Rick Pitino at the helm. His successful track record, combined with the university’s dedication to his long-term future, positions both the coach and the program for continued growth and success. Stay updated on St. John’s basketball by following their news and updates here.

Key Takeaways

• Rick Pitino’s Commitment: St. John’s aims to keep Pitino as head coach for the long term.
• Contract Reevaluation: University leadership is prepared to rework contracts to meet the market’s expectations.
• Success Metrics: Pitino’s impact is evident through championships and a historic preseason ranking.

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