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, also known as "Dickie V", is a prominent American basketball sportscaster celebrated for his energetic and colorful commentary. He gained fame during his long tenure with ESPN, starting in 1979, where his enthusiastic style and signature catchphrases like "This is awesome, baby!" and "diaper dandy" became iconic. Before his broadcasting career, Vitale coached college and professional basketball. Beyond broadcasting, he's authored fourteen books and made appearances in various films, solidifying his presence in sports and entertainment.
3 hours ago : Syracuse coaching search begins after Autry's firing; Vitale comments on potential candidates.
Syracuse fired coach Adrian Autry after missing the NCAAs again. The search for a replacement includes Bryan Hodgson and Gerry McNamara. A hot coaching name is considered a tremendous hire for ACC/Big East schools.
1958: First Coaching Job
In 1958, Vitale began his coaching career at an elementary school in Garfield, New Jersey.
1964: Coached at East Rutherford High School
In 1964, Vitale became the head coach at East Rutherford High School, his alma mater.
1971: Assistant Coach at Rutgers University
In 1971, Vitale became an assistant coach at Rutgers University under head coach Dick Lloyd.
1971: Left East Rutherford High School
In 1971, Vitale ended his tenure at East Rutherford High School, having coached there since 1964, with a record of 131-47 and two state championships.
March 31, 1973: Named Head Coach at the University of Detroit
On March 31, 1973, Vitale was named the head coach at the University of Detroit (now Detroit Mercy).
December 15, 1977: Bob Kauffman was Interim Head Coach
Bob Kauffman was interim Head Coach before Vitale took over.
1977: Led Titans to NCAA Tournament and Named Athletic Director
In 1977, Vitale led the University of Detroit Titans to the NCAA tournament and was subsequently named the university's athletic director after the season.
May 1, 1978: Vitale Becomes Head Coach of the Detroit Pistons
On May 1, 1978, Vitale became the head coach of the Detroit Pistons, signing a 3-year contract.
November 8, 1979: Vitale Fired by the Pistons
On November 8, 1979, twelve games into the 1979-80 season, Vitale was fired as the head coach of the Detroit Pistons after a 4-8 start.
December 5, 1979: Vitale Calls First College Basketball Game on ESPN
On December 5, 1979, Vitale called his first college basketball game on ESPN, a match between DePaul and Wisconsin, marking the start of his broadcasting career.
1979: Vitale Joins ESPN
In 1979, Dick Vitale began his tenure as a college basketball broadcaster for ESPN, becoming known for his enthusiastic style and catchphrases.
1979: Pistons Acquire Bob McAdoo
In 1979, while Vitale was in charge of player personnel, the Pistons acquired Bob McAdoo from the Celtics in exchange for two 1980 first-round draft picks and compensation for M.L. Carr.
1983: Vitale Gains Recognition
By 1983, Vitale's broadcasting career had taken off. He was being requested for autographs at the Final Four, solidifying his belief that he could succeed in broadcasting.
1984: Commentated NBA Playoffs
In 1984, Vitale was regularly commentating games during ESPN's first incarnation covering the NBA.
1985: Vitale Begins Broadcasting on ABC
In 1985, after the American Broadcasting Company acquired ESPN, Vitale started doing broadcasts on the ABC network as well.
December 2002: Called St. Vincent - St. Mary's–Oak Hill Academy prep game
In December 2002, Vitale called a St. Vincent - St. Mary's–Oak Hill Academy prep game, featuring LeBron James, with Dan Shulman and Bill Walton.
2004: Doing Approximately 40 Games a Year
By the 2004 season, Vitale was commentating approximately 40 games a year for ESPN.
January 7, 2009: Called First NBA Game Since 1984
On January 7, 2009, Vitale called his first NBA game on television since the 1984 NBA playoffs, between the Miami Heat and the Denver Nuggets.
2009: Vitale had Called Close to a Thousand Games
As of 2009, Dick Vitale had called close to a thousand games.
February 2015: Removed from Duke-UNC Basketball Coverage
In February 2015, ESPN removed Vitale from covering Duke-UNC basketball games.
2023: Vitale's ESPN Contract
As of 2023, Dick Vitale is signed with ESPN through the 2023–24 college basketball season.
May 5, 2025: ESPN Contract Extension
On May 5, 2025, ESPN announced they had signed Vitale to a two-year contract extension through the 2027-28 season.
2027: ESPN Contract Extension
Dick Vitale's ESPN contract was extended until 2027-2028 season.
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