Iona College names Rick Pitino its men's basketball coach - Los Angeles Times
Advertisement

Iona College names Rick Pitino its men’s basketball coach

Rick Pitino, who won NCAA titles with Kentucky and Louisville, was hired as Iona College's men's basketball coach on Saturday.
(Angelos Tzortzinis / AFP via Getty Images)
Share via

Hall of Famer Rick Pitino was named basketball coach at Iona College on Saturday.

Pitino coached at Louisville from 2001-17 before being fired in a pay-for-play scandal and had been coaching in Greece. He replaces Tim Cluess, who resigned Friday after 10 years and six NCAA Tournament appearances due to health concerns.

“My passion in basketball started in New York and will end there at Iona College,” Pitino said in a statement released by the school. “Tim Cluess has done a spectacular job creating success and a winning spirit. At Iona, I will work with the same passion, hunger and drive that I’ve had for over 40 years.”

From NBA veterans to its most exciting rookie, players around the league are using their wealth and profile to try to help arena workers affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

March 13, 2020

The 67-year-old Pitino has a 770-271 overall record in college and became the first coach to take three different schools to the NCAA Final Four. He won national championships at Louisville (2013) and Kentucky (1996).

Advertisement

Iona president Seamus Carey said “after a thorough interview process we are confident that Rick’s experience and commitment to Iona and our community make him the right person to continue to build on Tim Cluess’ success.”

Advertisement