College Basketball

Rick Pitino will become new St. John’s basketball coach

By
Social Links for Zach Braziller
Published March 20, 2023
Updated March 20, 2023, 5:34 p.m. ET

There is finally light at the end of this never-ending tunnel of disappointment for St. John’s, belief that this dormant program and its beaten-down fans finally have a realistic reason for optimism.

It comes in the form of Rick Pitino, the legendary 70-year-old coach and native New Yorker who has agreed to take the challenging job on a six-year deal, a source confirmed.

Pitino replaces Mike Anderson, fired after four mostly underwhelming seasons, trying to resurrect this once-proud team that last won an NCAA Tournament game 23 years ago and hasn’t reached the main draw of the dance since 2015.

Pitino, who was offered the job Sunday after meeting with St. John’s higher-ups, broke the news to his Iona players around the time it became known he was taking the job, a source said.

Former Manhattan College coach Steve Masiello is expected to be on Pitino’s staff, and Iona assistant Bob Walsh could be, too. 

The buzz of the potential of this move came slightly before the Big East Tournament.

The Post was the first to report of mutual interest between the two parties.

Rick Pitino will be the new St. John's men's basketball coach.
Rick Pitino will be the new St. John’s men’s basketball coach. Getty Images

President Fr. Brian Shanley spearheaded the courtship, described as “relentless” by a Pitino confidante. Pitino has called him a “superstar.”

There had been dialogue through third parties between Shanley and Pitino for quite some time, according to multiple sources.

Shanley nearly hired Pitino at Providence 12 years ago – Pitino opted to stay at Louisville – before settling on Ed Cooley.

A key for St. John’s was location.

Rick Pitino coached three years at Iona.
Rick Pitino coached three years at Iona. Getty Images

Pitino wanted another shot at the high-major level, but didn’t want to move from his home in Mamaroneck, N.Y. on Winged Foot Golf Club.

He also was drawn to the idea of coaching at the Garden again, as he did as the Knicks’ coach from 1987-89.

A significant increase in St. John’s games at MSG are expected with Pitino in the fold.

Billionaire alum Mike Repole, the co-founder of Vitamin Water, told The Post on Saturday he would look to get involved again with the program if it hires Pitino and helps with Name, Image and Likeness.

“He’s the type of coach that the University has deserved since the day Louie Carnesecca retired,” Repole said.