Richard Pitino is likely to be introduced as the Gophers new HC on Thursday.
It what can be described as a bold and intriguing decision, Minnesota Gophers athletic director Norwood Teague has reportedly hired Richard Pitino as the new head coach. Pitino, only 30 years old, brings a big name in the college basketball world, and a reputation as a tireless worker and recruiter.
Pitino has paved his own path in the coaching world, having spent time as an assistant coach under Billy Donovan at Florida and under his Dad at Louisville in addition to stints at College Charleston, Duquesne and Northeastern.
Pitino comes to Minnesota after most recently taking over the head coaching job at Florida International, where he took an 8-win program and turned it into an 18-14 season, despite only having three scholarship players in the starting lineup.
Pitino will likely be introduced to the Gopher program and media on Thursday and will need to hit the ground running. One of the first items on the “to-do” list is to call Alvin Ellis, who got out of his Letter of Intent this morning, after signing with the Gophers in November. After the Ellis call, Pitino will likely get right to work on the state’s “Big 3” recruits.