How Much Does Rick Pitino Earn? A Deep Dive into His Salary, Net Worth, and Career

Rick Pitino is one of the most successful and influential basketball coaches in the history of the sport. He has led three different colleges to the Final Four, won two national championships, and coached in the NBA for two teams. He is currently the head coach of St. John’s Red Storm, a prestigious program in the Big East Conference.

In this article, we will explore Pitino’s salary, net worth, career, and personal life in detail. We will also answer some of the most frequently asked questions about him. By the end of this article, you will have a comprehensive understanding of who Rick Pitino is and why he is considered a legend in the basketball world.

Salary

As of 2024, Rick Pitino’s average salary is $3.3 million per year. He signed a six-year contract with St. John’s University in 2023, worth around $20 million. This makes him one of the highest-paid coaches in the Big East Conference, and among the top earners in college basketball.

Pitino’s salary at St. John’s is a significant drop from his previous job at Louisville, where he earned $7.7 million annually until he was fired in 2017. However, it is still more than his salary at Iona, where he made $1.25 million per year for three seasons, from 2020 to 2023.

Net Worth

Rick Pitino’s net worth is estimated to be $45 million as of 2024. This is a remarkable amount of wealth, considering that he lost out on an extra $55 million when his contract with Louisville was terminated. Pitino’s net worth is mainly derived from his coaching career, which spans over four decades and includes numerous contracts, bonuses, and compensations.

Pitino also has other sources of income, such as endorsements, book deals, and speaking engagements. He has written several books, including the best-selling “Success Is a Choice” and “The One-Day Contract”. He has also endorsed brands like Adidas, Coca-Cola, and Pizza Hut. He is a popular speaker and motivational guru, who charges up to $50,000 per appearance.

Career

Rick Pitino’s career as a basketball coach began in 1975, when he was hired as an administrative assistant at the University of Hawaii. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming an assistant coach and then a head coach at various colleges, such as Boston University, Providence, Kentucky, and Louisville. He also coached in the NBA for the New York Knicks and the Boston Celtics.

Pitino is known for his fast-paced, aggressive, and defensive-oriented style of play, which he calls “Pitino Ball”. He is also renowned for his ability to turn around struggling programs and make them contenders. He has won over 800 games in his college career, and has a winning percentage of .740. He has led his teams to 21 NCAA Tournament appearances, seven Final Fours, and two national titles. He is the only coach in NCAA history to win championships with two different schools, Kentucky in 1996 and Louisville in 2013.

Pitino has also produced many successful players and coaches, who have gone on to have illustrious careers in the NBA and college basketball. Some of his notable protégés include Billy Donovan, Tubby Smith, Jeff Van Gundy, Jamal Mashburn, Antoine Walker, and Donovan Mitchell.

Pitino’s career has not been without controversy, however. He has been involved in several scandals and lawsuits, which have tarnished his reputation and legacy. He was accused of paying recruits, having an affair, extorting money, and being aware of a sex scandal involving his players and escorts. He was also implicated in the FBI investigation into college basketball corruption, which led to his firing from Louisville in 2017.

Pitino returned to coaching in 2020, when he took over the Iona Gaels. He led them to the NCAA Tournament in his first season, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, he left Iona to join St. John’s, a storied program that had fallen on hard times. He hopes to revive the Red Storm and bring them back to national prominence.

Personal Life

Rick Pitino was born on September 18, 1952, in New York City. He is of Italian descent and grew up in a Catholic family. He attended St. Dominic High School, where he played basketball and baseball. He then went to the University of Massachusetts, where he played point guard for the Minutemen under coach Jack Leaman. He graduated in 1974 with a degree in history.

Pitino is married to Joanne Minardi, whom he met in college. They have five children: Michael, Christopher, Richard, Ryan, and Jacqueline. Richard is also a basketball coach, currently at New Mexico. Pitino also had a son, Daniel, who died of congenital heart failure in 1987, at the age of six months. Pitino and his wife founded the Daniel Pitino Foundation, a charitable organization that supports children with health issues.

Pitino is a devout Catholic, who attends Mass regularly and prays the rosary every day. He is also a fan of horse racing, and owns several thoroughbreds. He has named some of his horses after his players, such as Siva, Gorgui, and Russdiculous. He has also won several races, including the 2013 Breeders’ Cup Sprint with Goldencents.

Conclusion

Rick Pitino is a basketball legend, who has achieved remarkable success and fame in his coaching career. He has also faced many challenges and controversies, which have tested his character and faith. He is still passionate and driven, and continues to pursue his goals and dreams. He is an inspiration and a role model for many people, who admire his skills, achievements, and resilience.

10 Most Asked Questions and Answers

1. How old is Rick Pitino?

• Rick Pitino is 71 years old as of 2024. He was born on September 18, 1952.

2. Where is Rick Pitino coaching now?

• Rick Pitino is coaching at St. John’s University, where he became the head coach of the men’s basketball team in 2023.

3. How much does Rick Pitino make a year?

• Rick Pitino makes $3.3 million a year, according to his contract with St. John’s University, which he signed in 2023.

4. How many national championships has Rick Pitino won?

• Rick Pitino has won two national championships, one with Kentucky in 1996 and one with Louisville in 2013.

5. How many Final Fours has Rick Pitino been to?

• Rick Pitino has been to seven Final Fours, three with Providence, three with Kentucky, and one with Louisville.

6. Why was Rick Pitino fired from Louisville?

• Rick Pitino was fired from Louisville in 2017, after he was implicated in the FBI investigation into college basketball corruption, which revealed that he was involved in paying recruits to join his program.

7. What is Rick Pitino’s coaching style?

• Rick Pitino’s coaching style is fast-paced, aggressive, and defensive-oriented. He likes to press, trap, and run, and create turnovers and easy baskets. He also emphasizes shooting, especially from the three-point line. He calls his style “Pitino Ball”.

8. Who are some of the famous players and coaches that Rick Pitino has mentored?

• Some of the famous players and coaches that Rick Pitino has mentored include Billy Donovan, Tubby Smith, Jeff Van Gundy, Jamal Mashburn, Antoine Walker, and Donovan Mitchell.

9. What are some of the books that Rick Pitino has written?

• Some of the books that Rick Pitino has written are “Success Is a Choice”, “The One-Day Contract”, “Rebound Rules”, “Lead to Succeed”, and “Born to Coach”.

10. What are some of the hobbies and interests that Rick Pitino has?

• Some of the hobbies and interests that Rick Pitino has are horse racing, golf, reading, and traveling.