After Alabama swung and missed at Wichita State’s Gregg Marshall, the “hot” name became Minnesota head coach Richard Pitino. This morning however, Pitino ended all speculation when he released the following via twitter:

“With regard to the reports tying me to other collegiate men’s coaching positions, let me simply say that I am very happy to be at the University of Minnesota. I am grateful to be coaching and living in such a great community that cares so much about this incredible university as well as it’s basketball program. I am also extremely fortunate to be working for one of the best athletic directors in the country in Norwood Teague. This state deserves a great basketball program and we are working extremely hard to bring them one.”

I’m not sure where Alabama will be focused next, but I do know that they will have to act quickly. The other high majors that have opened this year (Tennessee, Texas, Mississippi State, and St. John’s), have all had very quick searches. Alabama, which opened before all of them, can’t afford to fall too much further behind.