Richard Pitino hired as the next head coach at New Mexico
Less than a day after he was let go by Minnesota, Richard Pitino has been hired as the new head coach at New Mexico. Pitino was 141-123 in eight years with Gophers and previously went 18-14 in one season as the head coach at FIU.
“Richard Pitino is a proven winner with a track record of success on the court,” AD Eddie Nuñez said in a release, “including deep tournament runs and wins over nationally ranked programs, as well as proven success off the court by creating a tremendous student-athlete experience and supporting them as they earn their degrees.”
Nuñez played and coached at Florida under Billy Donovan, who helped facilitate things with Pitino, another one of his former assistants.
“My wife Jill, our children and I are very excited to join the Lobo Family,” said Pitino. “I want to extend my sincere thanks to President Stokes, Eddie Nuñez and David Williams for extending this opportunity. Lobo Basketball holds a special place in the hearts of New Mexicans, and I cannot wait to get started.”
UNM is getting a coach with postseason experience, having gone to the NCAA Tournament twice with the Gophers while also winning the NIT back in 2014. He also carries name recognition and could help to invigorate the program that hasn’t been “dancing” since 2014.
credit to New Mexico Athletics of the image
