The University of Minnesota has agreed to a two-year contract extension with head men’s basketball coach Richard Pitino. The agreement is subject to Board of Regents approval.
“My family and I have loved living in the Twin Cities the last six
years,” said Pitino. “We have met so many wonderful, supportive
people. It’s an honor to be able to continue to lead this Gopher
basketball program. I enjoy working with my athletics director, Mark Coyle,
every day. I would like to thank Mark, President Kaler, and the
University for continuing to believe in me. I look forward to continuing
to move this special program forward.”
“I am excited for Coach Pitino to continue to lead our men’s basketball
program,” said Coyle. “Coach Pitino has developed All-Big Ten players,
led deep runs into the Big Ten tournament and earned the school’s
ninth-ever NCAA tournament win this year. I look forward to him
advancing the program further in the upcoming years.”
Pitino recently completed his sixth season at the helm of Gopher
basketball, leading the team to its second NCAA Tournament berth in the
last three years. In the first round of the East Regional, Pitino’s
Gopher squad upset No. 7-seed Louisville, marking just the second NCAA
tournament victory since 1990.
Since arriving in Minneapolis, Pitino’s players have earned seven All-Big Ten honors including first team selection Jordan Murphy and third team honoree Amir Coffey this year. His record at Minnesota stands at 112-91, including three 20-win seasons during his tenure.
Pitino, Gophers Agree to Contract Extension
Photo Courtesy Minnesota Athletics
