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, known as "Dickie V", is a celebrated American basketball sportscaster and former coach. Since 1979, he has been a prominent college basketball broadcaster for ESPN, recognized for his energetic commentary and signature catchphrases like "This is awesome, baby!" and "diaper dandy." Vitale's enthusiastic style has made him a popular figure in sports broadcasting. Beyond his broadcasting career, he has authored fourteen books and made appearances in films, solidifying his presence in pop culture and sports entertainment.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1958: First Coaching Job

In 1958, Dick Vitale took his first job as a coach 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 Coaching Tenure at East Rutherford High School

In 1971, Dick Vitale concluded his coaching tenure at East Rutherford High School, with a record of 131–47 and 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: Herb Brown Dismissal

On December 15, 1977, Herb Brown was dismissed as coach of the Detroit Pistons

1977: Led Titans to NCAA Tournament and Named Athletic Director

In 1977, Dick Vitale led the Detroit Titans to the NCAA tournament and was subsequently named the university's athletic director.

May 1, 1978: Named Head Coach of Detroit Pistons

On May 1, 1978, Dick Vitale left the Titans to become 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 as Head Coach of 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. Assistant coach Richie Adubato was promoted to replace him on an interim basis.

December 5, 1979: First ESPN Broadcast

On December 5, 1979, Dick Vitale called his first college basketball game for ESPN, where DePaul defeated Wisconsin 90–77, alongside Joe Boyle.

1979: Began Covering Duke-UNC Basketball

In 1979, Dick Vitale began covering Duke-UNC basketball on ESPN.

1979: Began Broadcasting Career with ESPN

In 1979, Dick Vitale began his career as a college basketball broadcaster for ESPN, becoming known for his enthusiastic commentary and catchphrases.

1983: Recognition at the Final Four

In 1983, Dick Vitale realized the impact he was making in broadcasting when many people wanted his autograph at the Final Four.

1984: Covered NBA Games

In 1984, during ESPN's first incarnation covering the NBA, Dick Vitale regularly covered games.

1985: Began Broadcasting on ABC

In 1985, Dick Vitale began broadcasting on the ABC network in addition to ESPN, after the American Broadcasting Company acquired ESPN.

December 2002: Called St. Vincent - St. Mary's-Oak Hill Academy Prep 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: Announced 40 Games Per Year

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

January 7, 2009: Called NBA Game on Television

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.