Rick Pitino gets new big-money contract after St. John's resurgence

Steve Gardner, USA TODAY Mon, March 30, 2026 at 12:35 PM UTC

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St. John's amazing return to national prominence in men's basketball has earned the architect of the renaissance a new contract.

School officials confirmed to ESPN on Sunday, March 29, that Rick Pitino has signed a new contract that will make him the Big East's second-highest paid-coach behind UConn's Dan Hurley.

"Coach Pitino has changed the culture of our community and we want his presence to be felt on this campus for years to come," athletic director Ed Kull said in a statement. "We look forward to more Big East championships and NCAA tournament runs with Coach Pitino at the helm."

Pitino led the Red Storm to a 30-7 record and their first appearance in the Sweet 16 this century before a season-ending loss to Duke on Friday, March 17.

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In his third year at St. John's, the 73-year-old Pitino made history as the Red Storm became the first program ever to win back-to-back Big East regular season and tournament titles.

The Hall of Fame coach has an overall record of 915-318 (.742) over 38 seasons. He has taken three different schools (Providence, Kentucky, Louisville) to the Final Four and won two national championships.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Rick Pitino signs lucrative new contract as St. John's head coach

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