Xavier Hires Richard Pitino: Grading the Move

Following a successful season at New Mexico, Richard Pitino was the subject of many different coaching rumors. Some thought that he would take the Villanova job. In recent days, rumors swirled all across social media: He was at VCU, Villanova, West Virginia, and more, all on the same day. However, it was announced that Xavier would hire Pitino. The move seems to be a huge move for the Musketeers after they lost Sean Miller to Texas over the weekend. What does Pitino bring to Xavier? Can he find Power Conference success again? What are some interesting storylines to watch? And most importantly, what is the grade for the Richard Pitino hire?

Xavier Hires Richard Pitino: Grading the Move

Richard Pitino’s Coaching Resume

The most obvious positive is the basketball pedigree he brings because of his father, Rick Pitino. However, Richard Pitino has established himself as a strong coach on his own. After starting his career at Florida International, he moved on to Minnesota, where he led the Golden Gophers to 141 wins in eight seasons. He led Minnesota to the NCAA Tournament two times during his time in the Big Ten before being fired after the 2020-21 season. Pitino then moved to New Mexico, where he won 88 games over his four seasons as head coach. He led New Mexico to the NCAA Tournament each of the past two years, including an upset win over Marquette in the first round this season.

To properly grade the Richard Pitino hire, one must look at the staple of Pitino teams: defense. New Mexico finished this season with a top-20 defensive efficiency. In 2023-24, the unit ranked 23rd in defensive efficiency, so he has been consistent. He also coached the Mountain West Player of the Year, Donovan Dent. Players like a coach who can bring elite play out of elite players.

Storylines to Watch

They may not have to do with a grade, but there are major stories with the Richard Pitino hire. The first major storyline revolves around Dent, who entered the transfer portal on Tuesday. He is possibly the best transfer available in the class at this point. If Dent knew that Pitino might have been leaving, he could have entered the portal to join his coach at his new stop. Dent would be a huge pickup for the Musketeers if this happens to be a combo deal.

The other great storyline revolves around the great Pitino vs. Pitino rivalry that will now take place a minimum of two times each year. Rick has supported his son Richard throughout his career, even being courtside for their Round of 32 loss to Michigan State on Sunday. A father-son rivalry in one of the best conferences in college basketball promises to have serious drama and viewership. They’re likely to be the hardest games they’ll ever have to coach (and Rick’s won two national championships).

Grading the Richard Pitino Hire

Sentimental storylines aside, the hire is a good one for Xavier. Pitino has amassed 247 wins in his 13-year career. He has won a highly respected conference championship and an NCAA Tournament game. However, questions will remain about his time in Minnesota. Over five years, he made the tournament twice and had a losing record three times. That is the inconsistency that got him fired. The current Big East isn’t as strong as the Big Ten, but it’s still a power conference. With more and more rumors coming about a potential ACC-Big East merger, there will be questions about his ability to win in a power conference until he proves himself.

Grade: B