Career Timeline of Dick Vitale: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Dick Vitale built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Dick Vitale, or "Dickie V," is a prominent American basketball sportscaster renowned for his enthusiastic and colorful commentary. He spent 41 years as a college basketball broadcaster for ESPN, becoming famous for his catchphrases like "This is awesome, baby!" and "diaper dandy." Before his broadcasting career, Vitale was a head coach at both the college and professional levels. Beyond broadcasting, he has authored fourteen books and made appearances in various films, solidifying his place as a pop culture icon within the world of college basketball.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1958: First Coaching Job

In 1958, Dick Vitale began his coaching career at an elementary school in Garfield, New Jersey.

1964: Head Coach at East Rutherford High School

In 1964, Dick Vitale became the head coach at East Rutherford High School, his alma mater.

1971: Assistant Coach at Rutgers University

In 1971, Dick Vitale became an assistant coach at Rutgers University under head coach Dick Lloyd.

1971: End of Tenure at East Rutherford High School

In 1971, Dick Vitale concluded his tenure at East Rutherford High School, having achieved a record of 131–47 and leading his teams to two New Jersey state championships.

March 31, 1973: Named Head Coach at University of Detroit

On March 31, 1973, Dick Vitale was named the head coach at the University of Detroit (now Detroit Mercy).

December 15, 1977: Bob Kauffman Replaced by Herb Brown

On December 15, 1977, Bob Kauffman served as interim coach for the Detroit Pistons, following the dismissal of Herb Brown.

1977: NCAA Tournament and Athletic Director Appointment

In 1977, Dick Vitale led the Detroit Titans to the NCAA tournament and was later named the university's athletic director after a successful season, including a 21-game winning streak.

May 1, 1978: Head Coach of the Detroit Pistons

On May 1, 1978, Dick Vitale became the head coach of the Detroit Pistons, succeeding Bob Kauffman. He signed a 3-year contract with a $100,000 annual salary and a new Cadillac.

November 8, 1979: Fired by the Detroit Pistons

On November 8, 1979, twelve games into his second season, Dick Vitale was fired as head coach of the Detroit Pistons after a 4–8 start. Assistant coach Richie Adubato was promoted to interim head coach.

December 5, 1979: First TV Opportunity at ESPN

On December 5, 1979, Dick Vitale called ESPN's first college basketball game between DePaul and Wisconsin, marking his first TV opportunity after initially being reluctant to accept the broadcasting job. Joe Boyle was his play-by-play partner.

1979: M.L. Carr Signs with Boston

In 1979, M.L. Carr's decision to sign with Boston as a free agent lead to the Pistons demanding Bob McAdoo.

1980: Pistons Worst Season

In 1980, the Pistons had their worst season in franchise history.

1983: Autograph Requests at Final Four

In 1983, Dick Vitale realized his broadcasting career was taking off when he was asked for autographs at the Final Four.

1985: Began Broadcasting on ABC

In 1985, after the American Broadcasting Company acquired ESPN, Dick Vitale began doing broadcasts on the ABC network as well.

December 2002: Called St. Vincent-St. Mary's-Oak Hill Game

In December 2002, Dick Vitale, along with Dan Shulman and Bill Walton, commentated a St. Vincent – St. Mary's–Oak Hill Academy prep game featuring LeBron James.

2004: Broadcasting Approximately 40 Games

By the 2004–05 season, Dick Vitale was broadcasting approximately 40 college basketball games a year.

January 7, 2009: First NBA Game Since 1984

On January 7, 2009, Dick Vitale called his first NBA game on television since the 1984 NBA playoffs, commentating a game between the Miami Heat and the Denver Nuggets alongside Dan Shulman.

2009: Called Close to a Thousand Games

As of 2009, Dick Vitale had called close to a thousand games.

February 2015: Removed from Duke-UNC Game Coverage

In February 2015, ESPN removed Dick Vitale from covering the Duke-UNC basketball game, ending his streak of covering every televised game since 1979.

January 2022: Took Season Off for Vocal Surgery

In January 2022, Dick Vitale announced that he would take the remainder of the season off to rest his voice and undergo planned vocal surgery, missing the rest of the college basketball games that season.