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 renowned American basketball sportscaster celebrated for his energetic and passionate commentary. Best known for his 41-year career with ESPN, he is famous for catchphrases like "This is awesome, baby!" and "diaper dandy." Vitale's vibrant personality and colorful remarks have made him a popular figure in college basketball. Before broadcasting, he served as a basketball head coach at both the college and professional levels. He has also authored fourteen books and made appearances in movies, solidifying his presence in sports and entertainment.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1958: First Coaching Job

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

1964: Became 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: Left East Rutherford High School

In 1971, Dick Vitale ended his tenure at East Rutherford High School, where he had a successful record of 131-47 and led the team to two 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 leaves Detroit Pistons

On December 15, 1977, Bob Kauffman left the Detroit Pistons 4 1/2 months prior to Vitale's move.

1977: Led Titans to NCAA Tournament, Named Athletic Director

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

May 1, 1978: Became Head Coach of the Detroit Pistons

On May 1, 1978, Dick Vitale left the Titans to become the head coach of the Detroit Pistons, signing a 3-year contract.

November 8, 1979: Fired by the Detroit Pistons

On November 8, 1979, twelve games into the 1979-80 season, Dick Vitale was fired as head coach of the Detroit Pistons after a 4-8 start.

December 5, 1979: First ESPN Broadcast

On December 5, 1979, Dick Vitale called ESPN's first college basketball game between DePaul and Wisconsin, marking his entry into broadcasting.

1979: Began Covering Duke-UNC Games

In 1979, Dick Vitale began covering every Duke-UNC game televised by ESPN.

1979: Bob McAdoo Acquired by the Pistons

In 1979, Dick Vitale, in charge of player personnel for the Detroit Pistons, acquired Bob McAdoo in a trade that would later be seen as detrimental to the team's future.

1980: Pistons Worst Season

In 1980, The Pistons would have the worst season in franchise history in 1979–80

1983: Vitale's Autograph at Final Four

In 1983, Dick Vitale realized his broadcasting career fit him when many people wanted his autograph at the Final Four.

1984: Covering NBA Games

During ESPN's first incarnation covering the NBA, Vitale regularly covered NBA games.

1985: Began Broadcasting on ABC

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

1999: Featured in "Hoops Malone" Promo Shorts

In 1999, Dick Vitale was featured in a series of promo shorts for "Hoops Malone" on ESPN, which was presented as a sitcom but never fully produced.

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

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

2004: Doing Approximately 40 Games a Year

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

2004: Released Autobiography Living a Dream

In 2004, Dick Vitale released his autobiography, "Living a Dream", co-written with Dick Weiss, reflecting on his career.

January 7, 2009: Called First NBA Game Since 1984

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