St. John’s Red Storm head coach Rick Pitino has been part of the basketball world for decades. Pitino has coached at several college programs, including the Louisville Cardinals and the Kentucky Wildcats.
NBA fans also know Pitino from his time coaching the Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks. So, how has Pitino lasted so long in a profession that often chews up and spits out head coaches?
Rick Pitino Discusses the Secret Behind His Coaching Longevity
On Wednesday, Pitino joined FS1’s Colin Cowherd on “The Herd.” Cowherd noted that Pitino has managed to remain disciplined without being overly rigid.
Pitino, who won NCAA championships at Kentucky and Louisville, said, “Well, I think I took two years off of coaching. I didn’t think I was going to get back into the game.” He then recalled coaching in Greece, where he enjoyed his time.
“I think being adaptable is key,” Pitino added. “I’m coaching 50 years now. I met with one of my players, Joson Sanon, the other day, and said, ‘Jo, I may be 73, but I act like I’m 43. I’ve heard every story from every player. There’s nothing you can tell me that I haven’t heard.
“I said, ‘So, if you got a problem, if you want to get something off your chest, just tell me. I’m going to act like a 43-year-old for you. So, you know, I think I can adjust to just about anything because you have to adjust today. You see it all the time in the game.”
“All the sports change. The coaches that don’t want to change get out. I wasn’t ready to get out.”@colincowherd talks with @StJohnsBBall head coach Rick Pitino about the key to his longevity pic.twitter.com/T7BGgBb3XE
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) March 4, 2026
In 38 years as a head coach at NCAA programs including Hawaii, Boston University, Providence, Kentucky, Louisville, Iona, and now St. John’s, Pitino has compiled a 909-317 record, a 74.1% winning percentage.
The Red Storm are 24-6 this season and ranked No. 18 in the Associated Press Top 25 Men’s Basketball Poll. Pitino and St. John’s will soon turn their focus to the Big East Tournament, which will be played at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
In the NBA, Pitino served as an assistant coach for the New York Knicks from 1983 to 1985. He later became the Knicks’ head coach from 1987 to 1989, compiling a 90-74 record and reaching the playoffs both seasons.
In 1997, he took over as head coach of the Boston Celtics, where across four seasons he posted a 102-146 record and failed to make the playoffs.
