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Rick Pitino Outlines Expectations for Next Knicks' Coach

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By JH Kubicek | Last updated Jun 5, 2025 8:07 PM ET

After the New York Knicks fired Tom Thibodeau, speculation immediately started running rampant about who would take over. Realistic names like Michael Malone, Jeff Van Gundy, and even Jason Kidd were offered, as were college legends like Jay Williams and Dan Hurley.

For now, nothing is concrete aside from Rick Pitino not wanting the job. He coached the Knicks for two seasons in the 1980s, but he has no desire to step back on an NBA sideline.

Being a high-level college coach does not translate to the NBA. Pitino is a prime example of that. Despite being one of the best college coaches ever, he has a .466 winning percentage in six seasons as an NBA coach.

On the NFL side, Nick Saban was unsuccessful in the NFL before taking over for the Alabama Crimson Tide. College and pro sports, even as they get closer and closer, are still vastly different.

Pitino thinks that whoever takes over in New York will not only have big shoes to fill but massive expectations to live up to.

“I think whoever comes in, if he doesn’t get to the Finals, it’s going to be deemed an unsuccessful season,” said Pitino during the Yankees' broadcast on Wednesday. “So, whoever comes in has got so much pressure on them to take this team to the next level.”

In recent seasons, the Phoenix Suns have kept their coaches on short leashes, firing three skippers in as many years. Perhaps Pitino knows the pressure in New York will be even greater, but it doesn't bode well for the Knicks to hire a legend.

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

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