History of Rick Pitino in Timeline

Rick Pitino is a prominent American basketball coach currently at St. John's University. He's also coached the Greek national team. His extensive career includes head coaching positions in both NCAA Division I and the NBA. Notable tenures include Boston University, Providence College, the New York Knicks, the University of Kentucky, the Boston Celtics, and the University of Louisville. He also coached Panathinaikos and Iona University. His career has been marked by both success and controversy.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

September 18, 1952: Richard Pitino Born

On September 18, 1952, Richard Andrew Pitino, later known as a prominent basketball coach, was born.

1970: Enrolled at the University of Massachusetts Amherst

In 1970, Rick Pitino enrolled at the University of Massachusetts Amherst where he was a point guard for the Minutemen basketball team.

1974: Pitino Earned Degree from UMass

In 1974, Rick Pitino earned his degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

1974: Graduate Assistant at University of Hawaii

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

1975: Full-Time Assistant at University of Hawaii

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

1976: Pitino Married Joanne Minardi

In 1976, Pitino married Joanne Minardi.

1976: Assistant Coach at Syracuse University

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

1977: NCAA Report on Sanctions Against Hawaii Program

In 1977, a NCAA report implicated Rick Pitino in 8 of the 64 infractions that led the University of Hawaii to be placed on probation, including providing air fare, arranging used cars for season tickets, and handing out coupons for free food at McDonald's to players.

1978: Head Coach at Boston University

In 1978, Pitino was hired as the head coach of Boston University's men's basketball team. He received $20,000 for recruiting and fifteen full scholarships. His compensation included a Renault Le Car and an annual salary of $17,500.

1979: Mike Flanagan wins AL Cy Young Award

In 1979, Mike Flanagan, a former teammate of Pitino's at UMass, won the AL Cy Young Award.

1983: End of Tenure at Boston University

In 1983, Rick Pitino concluded his tenure as the head coach at Boston University.

1985: Head Coach at Providence College

In 1985, Pitino became the head coach at Providence College after a dismal 11-20 season for the team the previous year.

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

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

1987: Adoption of the 3-Point Shot

In 1987, Pitino is considered one of the first coaches to fully take advantage of the 3-point shot in college basketball after its adoption by the NCAA.

1987: Head Coach of the New York Knicks

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

1987: Death of son Daniel

In 1987, Rick and Joanne Pitino's son, Daniel, died from congenital heart failure at the age of six months. They later established the Daniel Pitino Foundation in his memory.

1988: Publication of "Born to Coach"

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

Born to Coach

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May 30, 1989: Resigned from the New York Knicks

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

1989: End of Tenure with the New York Knicks

In 1989, Rick Pitino concluded his tenure as head coach of the New York Knicks.

1989: Pitino Dismisses NCAA Report

In 1989, Rick Pitino dismissed the 1977 NCAA report, stating that he didn't make any mistakes.

1989: Kentucky Head Coach

In 1989, after two years in the NBA, Rick Pitino returned to college basketball as the coach at Kentucky, tasked with restoring the program after a major recruiting scandal.

1990: Kentucky Ineligible for NCAA and SEC 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 NCAA and SEC Tournaments

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

1993: Led Kentucky to the Final Four

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

1996: Kentucky Wins NCAA Championship

In 1996, Rick Pitino led Kentucky to win the NCAA Championship.

1996: NCAA Championship with Kentucky

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

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

On May 6, 1997, Rick Pitino was hired as the head coach of the Boston Celtics.

1997: Head Coach of the Boston Celtics

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

1997: Kentucky Loses National Title Game

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

1998: Left Kentucky for the NBA

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

1998: 19-31 Record

In 1998-99, Pitino's 19-31 record made him little better in the eyes of many Boston fans than his inexperienced predecessor, M.L. Carr.

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

On March 1, 2000, after being beaten by the Toronto Raptors on a buzzer-beater by Vince Carter, Pitino's frustration reached critical mass as he addressed the press, challenging Boston Celtics fans and media to let go of the past and focus on the future.

January 8, 2001: Resigned as Head Coach of the Boston Celtics

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

March 21, 2001: Hired as Louisville Head Coach

On March 21, 2001, Rick Pitino returned to college basketball and his adopted home state to coach the University of Louisville.

September 11, 2001: Death of Billy Minardi in 9/11 Attacks

On September 11, 2001, Joanne Pitino's brother and Rick Pitino's close friend, Billy Minardi, died in the terrorist attacks while working at the World Trade Center.

2001: End of Tenure with the Boston Celtics

In 2001, Rick Pitino concluded his tenure as head coach of the Boston Celtics.

2002: Billy Minardi Classic established

Since 2002, the University of Louisville has designated a December home game as the Billy Minardi Classic to honor Billy Minardi.

August 1, 2003: Sexual Relations with Karen Cunagin

On August 1, 2003, Pitino admitted to having sexual relations with Karen Cunagin at Porcini, a Louisville restaurant.

January 28, 2004: Pitino on Medical Leave During Win Against Houston

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

November 2005: Pitino Reprises Speech at Louisville

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

2005: Louisville Posts Most Single-Season Wins

In 2005, Pitino's Louisville team tied for the most single-season wins in school history with 33.

2005: Led Louisville to Final Four

In 2005, Rick Pitino led Louisville to their first Final Four in 19 years, becoming the first men's coach in NCAA history to lead three different schools to the Final Four. Following the Final Four run, the team limped into the Big East tournament seeded 12th, and missed the NCAA tournament.

2007: Louisville's Second-Place Finish in Big East

In 2007, despite being picked to finish towards the bottom of the Big East Conference, Rick Pitino led Louisville to a second-place finish, tied with the University of Pittsburgh.

2008: "Rebound Rules" Top Seller at Kentucky Book Fair

In 2008, 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, Rick Pitino's Louisville Cardinals finished second in the Big East.

April 18, 2009: Pitino Target of Extortion Attempt

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

2009: Top Seed in NCAA Tournament

In 2009, Louisville was the top seed overall in the NCAA tournament under Rick Pitino's guidance.

August 6, 2010: Karen Cunagin Found Guilty of Extortion

On August 6, 2010, a federal district court found Karen Cunagin guilty of extortion and lying to federal agents in relation to the attempt to extort Pitino.

December 20, 2010: Pitino Hired as Puerto Rico National Team Head Coach

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

2010: Escort Sex Scandal Investigation

In 2010, an NCAA investigation began into an escort sex scandal involving recruits, lasting until 2014, which led to a postseason ban for the 2015-16 season.

2010: Loss to California

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

April 29, 2011: Pitino Will Not Coach Puerto Rico National Team

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

2011: Chaz Williams Breaks Assist Record

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

2011: Louisville Victories Vacated

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

2011: Upset by Morehead State

In 2011, Rick Pitino's Louisville Cardinals were upset by 13th-seeded Morehead State in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

2012: Louisville Victories Vacated

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

2012: 2012 Final Four Appearance Vacated

In 2012, Louisville's Final Four appearance was vacated due to the sex scandal.

2012: Big East Tournament Championship and Final Four Berth

In 2012, Rick Pitino coached the Louisville Cardinals to the Big East tournament championship and a berth as No. 4 seed in the West region of the NCAA tournament. They lost to Kentucky in the Final Four.

2013: Goldencents Runs in Kentucky Derby

In 2013, Goldencents, of which Pitino owned a 5 percent share through RAP Racing, won the Santa Anita Derby and ran in the Kentucky Derby, finishing 17th.

2013: Louisville Victories Vacated

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

2013: National Championship Vacated

In 2013, Louisville's National Championship was vacated due to the sex scandal.

2013: Louisville Wins NCAA Title

In 2013, Pitino's Louisville Cardinals team won the NCAA title, achieving 35 total wins.

2013: Louisville Wins National Championship

In 2013, Rick Pitino led the Louisville Cardinals to their third national championship with an 82-76 win over Michigan, becoming the first NCAA Division I coach to win a championship with two different schools.

2013: National Championship with Louisville

In 2013, Rick Pitino led the University of Louisville to a national championship, becoming the first coach to win a national championship at two different schools.

2013: Elected to Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

In 2013, while in Atlanta for the Final Four, Rick Pitino was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

2014: Chaz Williams Retains Assist Record

In 2014, Chaz Williams remained the leader in career assists at UMass following his final season.

2014: Louisville Victories Vacated

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

2014: Escort Sex Scandal Investigation

In 2014, an NCAA investigation began into an escort sex scandal involving recruits from 2010, lasting until 2014, which led to a postseason ban for the 2015-16 season.

2015: Louisville Self-Imposed Ineligibility

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

2015: Pitino Coached Puerto Rican National Team at FIBA Americas Championship

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

2015: Self-Imposed Postseason Ban

In 2015, the University of Louisville self-imposed a postseason ban for the 2015-16 season amid an ongoing NCAA investigation over an escort sex scandal involving recruits between 2010 and 2014. The ban included both the ACC tournament and the NCAA tournament.

January 2017: Karen Cunagin Released to Halfway House

In January 2017, Karen Cunagin was released to a halfway house after being convicted of extortion and lying to federal agents.

June 3, 2017: Brian Bowen Committed to Louisville

On June 3, 2017, Brian Bowen committed to the University of Louisville. His recruitment was later involved in a federal investigation.

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 due to a lack of oversight in an escort sex scandal at the University of Louisville involving recruits.

September 26, 2017: Federal Investigation Announced

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

October 3, 2017: Termination Changed to Resignation

On October 3, 2017, Rick Pitino's termination was changed from a firing to a resignation, citing 'zero liability' between both parties.

October 16, 2017: Original Firing Date

October 16, 2017, was the original date of Rick Pitino's firing.

2017: End of Tenure at Louisville

In 2017, Rick Pitino concluded his tenure as head coach of the University of Louisville.

February 20, 2018: 2013 National Championship Vacated

On February 20, 2018, the NCAA officially announced that the 2013 National Championship had been vacated as a result of a scandal.

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

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

2018: Publication of "Pitino: My Story"

In 2018, Pitino's most recent book, "Pitino: My Story", was published. It details 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

2018: Coach of Panathinaikos

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

February 17, 2019: Panathinaikos Wins Greek Cup

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

September 18, 2019: Settlement with ULAA

On September 18, 2019, nearly two years after his dismissal and his lawsuit for $38.7 million against the ULAA, Rick Pitino settled with the university and dropped the case.

November 8, 2019: Pitino Hired as Head Coach of Greece's Senior National Team

On November 8, 2019, Pitino was hired as head coach of Greece's senior national team for the 2020 FIBA Victoria Olympic qualifying tournament and the 2020 Summer Olympics.

November 26, 2019: Pitino Rehired by Panathinaikos

On November 26, 2019, 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, Pitino was named head coach of Iona College after Tim Cluess stepped down due to health issues.

March 2020: EuroLeague Season Suspended, Pitino Leaves Panathinaikos

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