Albuquerque, New Mexico – Xavier athletic director Greg Christopher made a compelling pitch to New Mexico Lobos men’s basketball coach Richard Pitino this week, convincing him to take on the role with the Musketeers. Pitino, who had been in talks with multiple other programs, ultimately agreed to a six-year deal with Xavier.

The move comes after the sudden departure of former Xavier coach Sean Miller, who left the Musketeers for the head coaching position at the University of Texas. Miller’s exit drew criticism for the way it was handled, with one source describing it as poorly managed. Pitino’s hiring marks a new chapter for Xavier’s basketball program.

With Pitino now at the helm, he will join the Big East, the same conference where his father, Rick Pitino, coaches at St. John’s. The father-son duo made history in the latest NCAA Tournament by becoming the first father and son to win tournament games in the same season. The Pitinos are looking forward to the opportunity to coach against each other.

Throughout his coaching career, Pitino has achieved success at various programs, including stints at New Mexico, Florida International University, and the University of Minnesota. His track record in the Mountain West Conference and his previous NCAA Tournament appearances demonstrate his ability to lead a team to success on the court.

Pitino’s coaching style and leadership qualities have been evident in his past accomplishments, such as leading New Mexico to conference titles and tournament success. His experience and proven track record make him a valuable addition to the Xavier basketball program, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge and expertise to guide the team to future success.

As Pitino settles into his new role at Xavier, there will be anticipation surrounding his coaching strategies and the impact he will have on the team’s performance. The Musketeers are hopeful that Pitino’s leadership will lead to continued success on the court and elevate the program to new heights in the competitive landscape of college basketball.