St. John's Reacts to Historic Rick Pitino Announcement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Max Escarpio | Last updated Apr 6, 2025 12:34 PM ET

The Big East had a new sheriff in town this past season. St. John's, led by head coach Rick Pitino, has helped the Red Storm become one of the best teams in the nation.

In Pitino's second season at St. John's, he led the Red Storm to the No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament after winning the Big East Tournament title.

Following the season, Pitino was announced as the Naismith Coach of the Year, receiving the award for the first time in his coaching career.

"For the first time in his legendary career, Coach Pitino has been named the 2025 Werner Ladder Naismith Men's College Coach of the Year," posted the official social media account of St. John's. "It was a year for the history books. Congrats on an incredible season Coach!! Big East Regular Season and Tournament Champions."

For the first time in his legendary career, Coach Pitino has been named the 2025 Werner Ladder Naismith Men's College Coach of the Year

It was a year for the history books. Congrats on an incredible season Coach!!

@BIGEAST Regular Season and Tournament Champions

⚡️… pic.twitter.com/vNyl4lRDvZ
— St. John's Men’s Basketball (@StJohnsBBall) April 6, 2025

Pitino has been in the college coaching landscape since 1974. He has spent time as the head coach of some of the most prestigious programs in the country, including Kentucky and Louisville.

Late in his career, Pitino seems to have found a comfortable home in the Big East.

While St. John's had a successful season, having won their conference tournament, they suffered an early round exit in the NCAA Tournament.

The Red Storm lost to the Arkansas Razorbacks in the second round of the NCAA Tournament after defeating Omaha in the first round.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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