History of Richard Pitino in Timeline

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

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

September 16, 1982: Richard Pitino Born

On September 16, 1982, Richard William Pitino was born. He is now a college basketball coach, currently the head men's basketball coach at Xavier University.

Others born on this day/year

1982: Previous Big Ten coach of the year

In 1982, it was the last time the Big Ten coach of the year was awarded.

1993: Previous official NIT title

In 1993, it was the Gophers previous "official" NIT title since Richard Pitino came to coach.

1997: Previous FIU most wins overall

In 1997, it was the last time FIU had this many wins overall before Richard Pitino came to coach.

1998: Previous NIT championship

In 1998, it was the Gophers previous NIT championship since Richard Pitino came to coach.

1999: Previous FIU winning season

In 1999, it was the beginning of a drought, as this was the last time FIU had a winning season before Richard Pitino came to coach.

1999: Previous NIT championship vacated

In 1999, the previous NIT championship was vacated.

2000: Previous FIU winning season

In 2000, it was the last time FIU had a winning season before Richard Pitino came to coach.

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: Graduated from Providence College

In 2005, Richard Pitino earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history at Providence College.

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 1, 2014: Golden Gophers defeated Florida State University

On April 1, 2014, in Richard Pitino's first season at Minnesota, the Golden Gophers defeated Florida State University 67–64 in overtime in the NIT semifinals, breaking a school record with its 24th win of the season.

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.

2016: Big Ten Coach of the Year

In 2016, Richard Pitino was awarded the Big Ten Coach of the Year award.

March 21, 2019: Minnesota defeated Louisville

On March 21, 2019, in the first round of the 2019 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament, Minnesota defeated Louisville 86–76 to move on to the Round of 32.