St. John’s University Aims to Secure Rick Pitino’s Tenure

St. John’s University is committed to ensuring that Rick Pitino’s current role is his last coaching job. President Brian Shanley and athletic director Ed Kull have indicated that they may need to reassess the Hall of Fame coach’s contract to make this happen.

“From my perspective, we’ll do whatever it takes to keep Rick Pitino here,” Kull said at a recent groundbreaking event for a new basketball facility. “We promise to keep Rick Pitino here no matter what.”

Shanley echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the commitment to Pitino finishing his career at St. John’s. “At the end of the day, it’s on his terms, his timeline, but we’re all in on this being his final destination.”

At 73, Pitino has revitalized the program in just two seasons, guiding St. John’s to Big East regular-season and postseason titles, as well as its first NCAA Tournament victory in 25 years last season.

This week, the team secured a No. 5 ranking in the Associated Press preseason poll, marking the highest rank in the school’s history. With one of the top transfer classes in the nation, St. John’s is being viewed as a contender for the Final Four.

Pitino is currently in his third year of a six-year contract and ranks as the sixth-highest paid coach in the Big East.

Despite receiving serious offers from Power Five schools last offseason, Pitino chose to stay at St. John’s. Discussions about a contract revision with the medical school did not progress, according to his agent, Evan Daniels. “We approached them and tried to negotiate what we thought was a very fair deal, but it didn’t work out. He should be compensated among the top coaches in the country, especially in the Big East, based on his accomplishments.”

“That said, the coach is concentrating on the positive aspects and continuing to build St. John’s.”

Pitino has often mentioned that he reflects on his future and coaching longevity at the end of each season. He previously faced retirement after being let go by Louisville in October 2017, an experience he did not enjoy. “I missed it [coaching]. It’s too much,” he admitted last season.

When informed that his salary is sixth in the Big East, Shanley expressed disbelief. “If you consider his success, we know the price will increase. I think we’ll gather the resources to get to the level we need.”

Shanley added, “I’m going to do everything I can to ensure Rick is happy. Losing him is not an option because I believe he is the best coach in college basketball.” He concluded by stating that at the end of the season, they would discuss the future and what it would take for Pitino to stay.