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 celebrated American basketball sportscaster renowned for his passionate and exuberant commentary. He spent 41 years at ESPN. Before broadcasting, he coached at both college and professional levels. Vitale is famous for his signature catchphrases like "This is awesome, baby!" and "diaper dandy," which, along with his colorful personality, made him a prominent figure in college basketball broadcasting. Beyond broadcasting, he's a published author with fourteen books and has made appearances in films.

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: End of Tenure at East Rutherford High School

In 1971, Dick Vitale ended his tenure at East Rutherford High School with a record of 131-47 and two New Jersey state championships.

1971: Assistant Coach at Rutgers University

In 1971, Dick Vitale moved to Rutgers University as an assistant coach under head coach Dick Lloyd.

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

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

December 15, 1977: Herb Brown Dismissed

On December 15, 1977, Herb Brown was dismissed from coaching 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 achieved a 21-game winning streak. Following the 1977 season, his fourth as Detroit head coach, Vitale was named the university's athletic director.

May 1, 1978: Head Coach of Detroit Pistons

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

November 8, 1979: Fired from Detroit Pistons

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

December 5, 1979: First ESPN Broadcast

On December 5, 1979, Dick Vitale called ESPN's first college basketball game between DePaul and Wisconsin with Joe Boyle.

1979: Carr signs with Boston, McAdoo traded to Pistons

In 1979, M.L. Carr's decision to sign with Boston as a free agent triggered a transaction in which the Pistons demanded Bob McAdoo in exchange for Carr and two 1980 first-round draft picks.

1980: Pistons Have Worst Season

In 1980, the Pistons had the worst season in franchise history, leading to Boston trading their acquired draft picks for Robert Parish and Kevin McHale.

1983: Public Recognition at Final Four

In 1983, Dick Vitale experienced public recognition at the Final Four, realizing the impact of his broadcasting career.

1985: Began Broadcasting on ABC

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

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: Announcing Approximately 40 Games a Year

By the 2004-05 season, Dick Vitale was announcing approximately 40 college basketball games a year for ESPN and ABC.

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 on a Miami Heat versus Denver Nuggets game with Dan Shulman.

2009: Called Close to a Thousand Games

As of 2009, Dick Vitale had called close to a thousand college basketball games. He typically partners with Mike Patrick and Dan Shulman.

2010: Discontinuation of NCAA Basketball Video Game Series

In 2010, EA Sports discontinued the NCAA Basketball (formerly NCAA March Madness) video game series, for which Dick Vitale provided commentator voices with Brad Nessler.