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Rick Pitino looks to lead Iona to its second straight MAAC regular-season title and the second NCAA tournament in three years.
Before the 2022-23 season started, the Independent Review Panel of the Independent Accountability Resolution Process exonerated the head coach, declaring that he “promoted an atmosphere of compliance” in Louisville’s pay-for-play scandal. That could make Pitino a consideration for more marquee positions.
CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander called Georgia “a prime candidate” for Pitino and said “curiosities linger about St. John’s” and other prominent vacancies.
Rick Pitino at St John’s or Georgetown would spice things up. https://t.co/DMrQ5ikA19
— Dan Wetzel (@DanWetzel) February 23, 2023
However, Pitino isn’t necessarily looking for a new school unless he finds a “really, really special” place with a president he likes as much as Iona’s Seamus Carey.
“If I wanted to leave, it would be a job that I thought could get to a Final Four,” Pitino told Norlander. “It would be a great place where I want to live, but I don’t see it happening. I don’t see it happening. I’m really tied into these kids. And they came because of me.”
Pitino said he received three offers, including “a big-time job” that Norlander reported was Maryland’s opening. The 70-year-old head coach also noted his buyout would complicate matters.
Georgetown is 7-21 in Patrick Ewing’s sixth season as head coach, and the Hoyas have just two Big East wins in the last two seasons.
St. John’s has secured its fourth straight winning season under Mike Anderson, but the Red Storm have not made the NCAA tournament since 2019.
Both prestigious Big East programs can use a shake-up to restore their past glory. Pitino should certainly represent a big-name hire.