Richard Pitino Leaves New Mexico to Become Head Coach at Xavier

The Pitino family will now have two members coaching within the Big East.

Richard Pitino has left New Mexico and will head the program at Xavier, according to multiple reports. It’ll be the fourth HC job Pitino, 42, has taken throughout his career. Prior to Xavier and New Mexico, Pitino spent time at Minnesota and FIU.

Pitino had some great success in Albuquerque with the Lobos. He led UNM to three-straight years with at least 22 victories. This included a 27-8 record this past year (first in the Mountain West), along with a win in the tournament over Marquette.

Xavier has been a nice stepping stone for coaches ultimately seeking a better job. Sean Miller recently left in order to take the same position in Texas. For Pitino, it’s an opportunity to be closer to the Northeast where he grew up and has heavy roots.

Ironically enough, he’ll be coaching in the same conference as his father, Rick. The St. John’s-Xavier matchups next season will truly be must-watch TV.

The first order of business for Pitino will be aiming to keep Ryan Conwell and Dailyn Swain with the Musketeers. Swain has already entered the portal, and Conwell could be enticed to do the same should Texas/Miller come calling.

There’s also Donovan Dent — the Mountain West Player of the Year who recently entered the portal. Can Pitino convince his multi-year point guard to follow him to Ohio?

If that does happen, Pitino will have to splash some major cash to ward off other programs.