Rick Pitino's Contract Extended Through 2025-2026

[shadow force]

Louisville, Ky. -- The University of Louisville has extended the contract of men's basketball coach Rick Pitino four years, boosting his association with the Cardinals through the 2025-26 season.

The first coach in NCAA history to win a national title at two different schools and the first to take three different teams to the Final Four, Pitino had seven years remaining on his current contract, which had tied him with the Cardinals through the 2021-22 season.

In 30 seasons as a collegiate head coach at five different schools, Pitino has compiled a 722-254 record, a .740 winning percentage that ranks him 11th among active coaches. He has a 368-126 record in 14 seasons at UofL, the third winningest coach in Cardinal history. UofL is among the nations' top 10 programs in winning percentage under his guidance.

Pitino was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013, lofty recognition for a lifetime of impressive basketball achievement. His up-tempo style, pressure defense, strong work ethic and family atmosphere have restored the Cardinals to national prominence where it is firmly seated.
http://www.gocards.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/060915aaa.html

 

[Cue Card]

It's incredible that he wants to keep coaching at his age. He has nothing left to prove. He doesn't need the money. He is doing this because he loves it.

Go CARDS!!!!

 

[OneEarWonder]

As we all knew, he will Retire a Cardinal. Good for RP and UL. Honestly, I did not think he would stay, but life changes, people change. Glad it has worked out so well for all parties involved. I know some love him, some hate him, but I've always been a RP fan - in Lexington and Louisville. I've had the opportunity to meet and speak with him on several occasions, some privately, and he's always been gracious.

 

[shadow force]

It's incredible that he wants to keep coaching at his age. He has nothing left to prove. He doesn't need the money. He is doing this because he loves it.

Go CARDS!!!!

Yeah, at this point it is simply because he loves doing it. I'm not sure I ever saw Pitino staying at UofL or coaching in general until 2026, but as long as he is able to keep doing what he has been doing it's great.

 

[CATFANFOLIFE87]

I'm sure it was more of a PR move than anything. I'd be surprised if Rick is still coaching at 73. Contract extensions like this one at this stage in his career are usually done for recruiting. He made the mistake of saying that he wouldn't coach into his old age a few years back and that he probably had 5 good years left. I've heard he's still in great health so who knows

 

[Cardiotonic]

If he still loves coaching at 73 it won't surprise me at all that he coaches until the end of this new contract extension .