Richard Pitino was hired as the next coach of the New Mexico men’s basketball program less than 24 hours after Minnesota announced his resignation, the program announced on Tuesday. Pitino replaces Paul Weir, who was fired in February amid a 6-16 season by the Wolves.
Pitino spent eight seasons as a Minnesota coach and led the NCAA tournament appearances program in 2017 and 2019 before posting lost records in the past two seasons. Former Nebraska coach Tim Miles was also running for New Mexico.
“It’s a great day for Lobo Basketball and for everyone who loves our program and our University,” said New Mexico athletic director Eddie Nuñez in a statement. “Richard Pitino is a proven winner with a track record of success, including deep tournament runs and victories in national classification programs, as well as proven off-court success in creating an incredible student-athlete experience and supporting them as they I welcome Richard, Jill and their three children to the University of New Mexico and Duke City, and I am excited about the future of Lobo Basketball. “
Although the New Mexico program has struggled lately, it is a job with a history of sending coaches to bigger shows. Steve Alford went 155-52 with the Wolves between 2007-13 and took advantage of that success to get the job at UCLA. Another former New Mexico coach, Dave Bliss, won NCAA Tournament games with the Wolves for four consecutive seasons from 1996-99, and was then signed by Baylor on Big 12 – although his tenure with the Bears ended in scandal.
“My wife Jill, our children and I are very excited to be joining the Lobo Family,” said Pitino. “I want to extend my sincere thanks to President Stokes, Eddie Nuñez and David Williams for extending this opportunity. Lobo Basketball holds a special place in the hearts of new Mexicans and I can’t wait to start.”
Current Chicago Bulls coach and longtime former Florida coach Billy Donovan was an influential voice behind the scenes at Pitino’s signing in New Mexico, sources told CBS Sports. Donovan trained New Mexico’s sporting director, Eddie Nuñez, Florida, and later hired Pitino as assistant to the Gators.
At just 38 years old, Pitino has time to rebuild his brand in the profession and position himself for yet another chance at outstanding work. Her father, Rick Pitino, is currently undergoing a renaissance of his own, as the former Kentucky and Louisville coach has just taken Iona to a spot in the NCAA Tournament in his first season in office. Old Pitino offered advice during the process that led to Richard Pitino’s speedy recovery with the Wolves.