Career Timeline of Richard Pitino: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 22, 2026

How Richard Pitino built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Richard Pitino is an American college basketball coach. He currently serves as the head men's basketball coach at Xavier University. Before Xavier, Pitino held head coaching positions at Florida International University (2012-2013), the University of Minnesota (2013-2021), and the University of New Mexico (2021-2024).

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2004: Administrative Assistant at College of Charleston

In 2004, Richard Pitino worked as an administrative assistant under Tom Herrion at the College of Charleston.

2005: Assistant Coach at Northeastern University

In 2005, Richard Pitino was hired by coach Ron Everhart to serve as assistant coach at Northeastern University.

April 17, 2009: Accepts position at University of Florida

On April 17, 2009, Richard Pitino left the University of Louisville and accepted a position to work under Billy Donovan at the University of Florida.

2010: Advanced to Elite Eight

In 2010, during Richard Pitino's time at Florida, the team advanced to the NCAA tournament, reaching the Elite Eight.

April 12, 2011: Became associate head coach at Louisville

On April 12, 2011, Richard Pitino left Florida to become the associate head coach at Louisville.

April 15, 2012: Named Head Coach at FIU

On April 15, 2012, Richard Pitino left his position as the associate head coach at Louisville to become the head coach at FIU, replacing Isiah Thomas.

2012: Head Coach at Florida International

In 2012, Richard Pitino became the head coach at Florida International.

April 3, 2013: Hired as Head Coach at Minnesota

On April 3, 2013, Richard Pitino was hired to become the 17th head coach in University of Minnesota history, replacing Tubby Smith.

2013: Head Coach at Florida International

In 2013, Richard Pitino remained the head coach at Florida International.

April 3, 2014: Won first NIT Championship

On April 3, 2014, Richard Pitino won his first NIT Championship by defeating Larry Brown's SMU team 65–63, securing a school record 25th win. The win was the Gophers first NIT championship since 1998.