Rick Pitino’s timeline of teams coached and career record, from 1975 debut to NBA and St. John’s final act

Rick Pitino’s timeline of teams coached and career record, from 1975 debut to NBA and St. John’s final act originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

College basketball in 1975 looks a lot different than 2026. But at least one thing is the same: Rick Pitino at the helm of a prominent squad.

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A legendary coach known for his intensity, Pitino has made stops with various college programs and NBA teams throughout his career — and where he goes, success tends to follow. For over a decade already, he’s been a Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer. But that hasn’t stopped Pitino from continuing to build his legacy.

With the St. John’s Red Storm, Pitino’s latest project, he’s helped the team improve in each of his first three years, bringing his winning reputation and plenty of Xs and Os knowledge to the table. In 2026, he’s now led St. John’s to the Sweet 16, the team’s second-straight March Madness bid.

Here’s a full breakdown of Pitino’s coaching history, record and more.

MARCH MADNESS HQ:Live NCAA bracket | TV schedule | Latest news and more

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Rick Pitino coaching timeline

Hawaii, assistant coach and interim head coach, 1974-76

Pitino’s coaching career began at the University of Hawaii. While he was raised in New York and played point guard at UMass from 1971-74, he was initially a graduate assistant for the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors, then was promoted to full-time assistant.

In the 1975-76 season, after Bruce O’Neil was fired, Pitino became Hawaii’s interim head coach. Under Pitino, the team went 2-4 to finish the season.

Year

Record

NCAA Tournament result

1974-75 (assistant)

14-11

Missed NCAA Tournament

1975-76 (assistant, interim HC)

11-16

Missed NCAA Tournament

HISTORY OF UPSETS BY SEED:
16 vs. 1 | 15 vs. 2 | 14 vs. 3 | 13 vs. 4 | 12 vs. 5

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Syracuse, assistant coach, 1976-78

Pitino’s final stint as an assistant came at Syracuse, joining the Orange in 1976 under legendary head coach Jim…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/rick-pitinos-timeline-teams-coached-080001422.html

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Publish date : 2026-03-26 08:00:00

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