History of Rick Pitino in Timeline

Rick Pitino is a prominent American basketball coach currently at St. John's University. Known for his leadership across various NCAA Division I and NBA teams, including Boston University, Providence College, the New York Knicks, Kentucky, the Boston Celtics, Louisville, Panathinaikos, and Iona University. He is also the head coach of Greece's senior national team. Pitino has achieved significant success throughout his career, marked by strategic acumen and team development.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

September 18, 1952: Richard Pitino Born

On September 18, 1952, Richard Andrew Pitino was born. He is an American basketball coach.

1970: Enrolls at the University of Massachusetts Amherst

In 1970, Rick Pitino enrolled at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and played point guard for the Minutemen basketball team.

1974: Graduate Assistant at the University of Hawaii

In 1974, Rick Pitino began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at the University of Hawaii.

1974: Earns Degree from UMass

In 1974, Rick Pitino earned his degree from UMass.

1975: Full-Time Assistant at Hawaii

In 1975, Rick Pitino became a full-time assistant at the University of Hawaii.

1976: Pitino marries Joanne Minardi

In 1976, Rick Pitino married Joanne Minardi.

1976: Assistant Coach at Syracuse University

In 1976, Rick Pitino was the first assistant hired by Jim Boeheim at Syracuse University.

1977: NCAA Report on Sanctions Against Hawaii Program

In 1977, Rick Pitino was implicated in 8 of the 64 infractions that led the University of Hawaii to be placed on probation by the NCAA. These infractions included providing unauthorized benefits to players.

1978: Hired as Head Coach at Boston University

In 1978, John Simpson hired Rick Pitino as head coach, funding the Terriers men's basketball team.

1979: Mike Flanagan Wins AL Cy Young Award

In 1979, Mike Flanagan, a former teammate of Rick Pitino, won the AL Cy Young Award.

1983: End of Tenure at Boston University

In 1983, Rick Pitino's tenure as the head coach of Boston University came to an end.

1985: Head Coach at Providence College

In 1985, Rick Pitino became the head coach at Providence College.

July 14, 1987: Head Coach of the New York Knicks

On July 14, 1987, Rick Pitino became head coach of the New York Knicks.

1987: Death of Pitino's son, Daniel

In 1987, Rick Pitino and Joanne Minardi's son, Daniel, died from congenital heart failure at the age of six months.

1987: Head Coach of the New York Knicks

In 1987, Rick Pitino became the head coach of the New York Knicks.

1987: NCAA adopts 3-point shot

In 1987, the NCAA adopted the 3-point shot, which Rick Pitino promoted and used to his advantage, leading to his Kentucky teams in the early 1990s being known as Pitino's Bombinos.

1988: Pitino publishes autobiography 'Born to Coach'

In 1988, Rick Pitino published his autobiography entitled "Born to Coach", describing his life up until his time with the Knicks.

Born to Coach

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May 30, 1989: Resignation from the Knicks

On May 30, 1989, Rick Pitino resigned from his position as head coach of the New York Knicks.

1989: Head Coach at the University of Kentucky

In 1989, Rick Pitino became the head coach at the University of Kentucky.

1989: Pitino Dismisses 1977 Report

In 1989, Rick Pitino dismissed the 1977 NCAA report, stating he did not make any mistakes.

1989: Returns to College Level at Kentucky

In 1989, after coaching in the NBA, Rick Pitino became the coach at Kentucky, restoring the program's reputation and performance.

1990: Kentucky ineligible for tournaments

In 1990, Kentucky was ineligible for both the NCAA and SEC Tournaments due to sanctions from the Eddie Sutton era.

1991: Kentucky ineligible for tournaments

In 1991, Kentucky was ineligible for both the NCAA and SEC Tournaments due to sanctions from the Eddie Sutton era.

1993: Leads Kentucky to the Final Four

In 1993, Rick Pitino led Kentucky to the Final Four in the NCAA tournament.

1996: NCAA Championship with Kentucky

In 1996, Rick Pitino led Kentucky to an NCAA championship.

1996: Wins National Title with Kentucky

In 1996, Rick Pitino won a national title with Kentucky in the NCAA tournament.

May 6, 1997: Hired as Head Coach by the Boston Celtics

On May 6, 1997, Rick Pitino returned to the NBA when the Boston Celtics hired him as head coach.

1997: Head Coach of the Boston Celtics

In 1997, Rick Pitino became the head coach of the Boston Celtics.

1997: Kentucky Loses in National Title Game

In 1997, Rick Pitino's Kentucky team lost to Arizona in overtime in the finals of the NCAA tournament.

1998: Leaves Kentucky for the NBA

In 1998, Rick Pitino left Kentucky for the NBA and Kentucky went on to win the national title.

1998: 19-31 Record in 1998-99 Season

In 1998, Rick Pitino's 19–31 record for the 1998-99 season made him little better in the eyes of many Boston fans than his inexperienced predecessor.

March 1, 2000: Pitino's Frustration Reaches Critical Mass

On March 1, 2000, after being beaten by the Toronto Raptors, Rick Pitino challenged Boston Celtics fans and media to focus on the future.

January 8, 2001: Resigns from the Boston Celtics

On January 8, 2001, Rick Pitino resigned from his position as head coach of the Boston Celtics.

March 21, 2001: Coaching University of Louisville

On March 21, 2001, Rick Pitino returned to college to coach the University of Louisville.

September 11, 2001: Terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001

On September 11, 2001, Joanne's brother and Rick's closest friend, Billy Minardi, was working as a bond trader for Cantor Fitzgerald on the 105th floor of the north tower of the World Trade Center when it was struck by American Airlines Flight 11.

2001: Head Coach at the University of Louisville

In 2001, Rick Pitino became the head coach at the University of Louisville.

2002: University of Louisville designates Billy Minardi Classic

Since 2002, the University of Louisville has designated a December home game as the Billy Minardi Classic, and the university named a dorm on campus as "Billy Minardi Hall".

August 1, 2003: Pitino admits to sexual relations with Cunagin

On August 1, 2003, Rick Pitino admitted that he had sexual relations with Karen Cunagin at Porcini, a Louisville restaurant.

January 28, 2004: Pitino misses game due to medical leave

On January 28, 2004, Rick Pitino did not coach in one win (vs. Houston) due to medical leave, but is credited with the victory.

November 2005: Reprised Speech at Louisville

In November 2005, Rick Pitino reprised the speech in a tongue-in-cheek manner at Louisville, challenging his freshmen players to play as tough as past seniors.

2005: Louisville's First Final Four in 19 Years

In 2005, Rick Pitino led Louisville to their first Final Four in 19 years.

2005: Louisville team ties for most single-season wins

In 2005, Rick Pitino's Louisville team posted a tie for the most single-season wins in school history (33).

2007: Second-Place Finish in the Big East Conference

In 2007, Rick Pitino led the Cardinals to a second-place finish, 12–4 in the Big East Conference standings and a first round bye in the conference tournament.

2008: Pitino publishes 'Rebound Rules'

In 2008, Rick Pitino's book "Rebound Rules" was the top seller at the Kentucky Book Fair.

Rebound Rules: The Art of Success 2.0

Check it on Amazon

2008: Finished Second in the Big East

In 2008, the Cardinals finished second in the Big East and ranked 13th in both the AP and Coaches' polls.

April 18, 2009: Pitino targeted in extortion attempt

On April 18, 2009, Rick Pitino announced that he was the target of an extortion attempt by Karen Cunagin Sypher.

2009: Top Seed Overall in NCAA Tournament

In 2009, Louisville was the top seed overall in the NCAA tournament.

August 6, 2010: Cunagin found guilty of extortion

On August 6, 2010, a federal district court found Karen Cunagin guilty of extortion and lying to federal agents; she was later sentenced to 87 months in prison.

December 20, 2010: Pitino hired as head coach of Puerto Rico national team

On December 20, 2010, Rick Pitino was hired as head coach of the senior Puerto Rico national team.

2010: Loss to California Golden Bears

In 2010, the Cardinals suffered a disappointing 15-point loss to their first round opponent, the California Golden Bears.

2010: Escort Sex Scandal Investigation Begins

In 2010, the University of Louisville was under investigation for an escort sex scandal involving recruits that lasted until 2014.

April 29, 2011: Pitino will not coach Puerto Rico national team

On April 29, 2011, it was announced that Rick Pitino would not coach the Puerto Rico national team, due to scheduling conflicts and NCAA regulations disallowing it.

2011: Chaz Williams Surpasses Pitino's Assist Record

In 2011, Chaz Williams surpassed Rick Pitino's record for career assists at UMass.

2011: Upset by Morehead State

In 2011, Louisville was upset by 13th-seeded Morehead State in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

2011: Louisville victories vacated

Louisville has vacated all of its victories and three losses from the 2011–12, 2012–13, 2013–14, 2014–15 seasons.

2012: Big East Tournament Championship

In 2012, Rick Pitino coached the Cardinals to the Big East tournament championship and a berth in the NCAA tournament.

2012: Final Four Appearance Vacated

In 2012, the University of Louisville made a Final Four appearance, which was later vacated due to controversies.

2012: Louisville victories vacated

Louisville has vacated all of its victories and three losses from the 2011–12, 2012–13, 2013–14, 2014–15 seasons.

2013: Louisville's National Championship Vacated

In 2013, Louisville's national championship was eventually vacated and is being appealed by the university.

2013: Louisville wins NCAA title

In 2013, Rick Pitino led the Cardinals team to 35 total wins and the NCAA title.

2013: National Championship Win

In 2013, Rick Pitino led the Louisville Cardinals to a national championship with a win over Michigan.

2013: Elected to Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

In 2013, Rick Pitino was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

2013: Goldencents runs in Kentucky Derby

In 2013, Rick Pitino, through the stable name of RAP Racing, owned a 5 percent share of Goldencents, who won the $750,000 Santa Anita Derby and finished 17th in the Kentucky Derby.

2013: Louisville victories vacated

Louisville has vacated all of its victories and three losses from the 2011–12, 2012–13, 2013–14, 2014–15 seasons.

2014: Chaz Williams Remains Leader in Career Assists

In 2014, Chaz Williams remained the leader in career assists following his final season with the Minutemen

2014: Escort Sex Scandal Investigation Ends

In 2014, the University of Louisville was under investigation for an escort sex scandal involving recruits that began in 2010.

2014: Louisville victories vacated

Louisville has vacated all of its victories and three losses from the 2011–12, 2012–13, 2013–14, 2014–15 seasons.

2015: Pitino coaches Puerto Rican national team at FIBA Americas Championship

In 2015, Rick Pitino coached the Puerto Rican national team at the FIBA Americas Championship in Mexico City, Mexico, where they finished in 5th place.

2015: Postseason Ban

In 2015, The University of Louisville self-imposed a postseason ban amid an ongoing NCAA investigation over an escort sex scandal involving recruits between 2010 and 2014.

2015: Louisville self-imposes postseason ineligibility

Louisville self-imposed ineligibility for the 2015–16 postseason due to an ongoing NCAA investigation.

January 2017: Cunagin released to halfway house

In January 2017, Karen Cunagin was released to a halfway house after serving part of her sentence for extortion and lying to federal agents.

June 3, 2017: Brian Bowen Commits to Louisville

On June 3, 2017, Brian Bowen committed to the University of Louisville.

June 15, 2017: NCAA Charges Pitino

On June 15, 2017, the NCAA charged Rick Pitino for failure to monitor his basketball program, which was involved in a sex-for-pay scandal.

June 2017: NCAA Suspends Pitino

In June 2017, the NCAA suspended Rick Pitino for five games of the 2017–18 season for a perceived lack of oversight in an escort sex scandal at the University of Louisville involving recruits.

September 26, 2017: School Under Investigation for "Pay for Play"

On September 26, 2017, federal prosecutors announced that the University of Louisville was under investigation for an alleged "pay for play" scheme involving recruits.

October 3, 2017: Termination Changed to Resignation

On October 3, 2017, Rick Pitino's termination was changed to a resignation.

October 16, 2017: Original Firing Date

On October 16, 2017, Rick Pitino was originally fired from the University of Louisville.

2017: End of Tenure at the University of Louisville

In 2017, Rick Pitino's tenure as the head coach of the University of Louisville came to an end.

February 20, 2018: NCAA Vacates 2013 National Championship

On February 20, 2018, the NCAA officially announced that the 2013 National Championship and their 2012 Final Four appearance had been vacated.

December 26, 2018: Pitino hired as head coach of Panathinaikos

On December 26, 2018, Rick Pitino was announced as the head coach of Panathinaikos until the end of the season, marking his debut in the EuroLeague.

2018: Coach of Panathinaikos

In 2018, Rick Pitino became the coach of Panathinaikos of the Greek Basket League and EuroLeague.

2018: Pitino publishes 'Pitino: My Story'

In 2018, Rick Pitino's book "Pitino: My Story" was published, detailing his version of events regarding the Adidas sneaker scandal and his subsequent ouster as the University of Louisville men's basketball coach.

Pitino: My Story

Check it on Amazon

February 17, 2019: Panathinaikos wins Greek Cup

On February 17, 2019, Panathinaikos, coached by Rick Pitino, won the 2018–19 Greek Cup against PAOK in the final.

September 18, 2019: Settlement with ULAA

On September 18, 2019, Rick Pitino settled with the University of Louisville Athletic Association (ULAA) and dropped his lawsuit.

November 8, 2019: Pitino hired as head coach of Greece's senior national team

On November 8, 2019, Rick Pitino was hired as head coach of Greece's senior national team to coach at the 2020 FIBA Victoria Olympic qualifying tournament and the 2020 Summer Olympics if Greece qualified. Thanasis Skourtopoulos would coach for the 2021 EuroBasket qualification tournament.

November 26, 2019: Pitino rehired as head coach of Panathinaikos

On November 26, 2019, Rick Pitino was rehired by Panathinaikos as the team's head coach on a two-year deal after the firing of Argyris Pedoulakis.

March 14, 2020: Pitino named head coach of Iona College

On March 14, 2020, Rick Pitino was named head coach of Iona College after Tim Cluess stepped down due to health issues.

March 2020: Pitino leaves Panathinaikos

In March 2020, Rick Pitino left Panathinaikos after the 2019–20 EuroLeague season was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with Panathinaikos in sixth place.

2020: Iona College reaches NCAA tournament

In 2020, Rick Pitino coached Iona College to a 6-3 conference record and led them to the NCAA tournament after four upsets in the MAAC tournament, making Pitino the third coach to lead five different programs to the NCAA tournament.

2020: Pitino to coach Greece's national team

In 2020, Rick Pitino was slated to coach Greece's national team at the FIBA Victoria Olympic qualifying tournament and the Summer Olympics, had Greece qualified.

2020: End of Tenure at Panathinaikos and Head Coach at Iona University

In 2020, Rick Pitino's tenure as the coach of Panathinaikos came to an end and he became the head coach at Iona University.

2021: Pitino's coaching record

As of 2021–22 season, Rick Pitino had a 684–282 record, for a .708 winning percentage that is ranked 11th among active coaches and 34th all-time among all collegiate basketball coaches.