SYRACUSE, NY - FEBRUARY 18: Head coach Rick Pitino of the Louisville Cardinals calls a play for his team against the Syracuse Orange during the second half at the Carrier Dome on February 18, 2015 in Syracuse, New York. Syracuse defeated Louisville 69-59. (Image: Getty)
Rick Pitino wants to coach in the NBA again.
After he was fired following an FBI probe into alleged bribes made to recruits and their families earlier in 2018, Pitino “just wants to be a part of an organization.” The 66-year-old had previously declared that he was “done coaching” in early September.
“I want to develop young players. I want to be part of a team,” Pitino said to ESPN. “I miss it terribly. I’m using this time to really study the NBA. If something opens up with a young basketball team, I’d have deep interest in it.”
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While at Louisvile, Pitino housed several scandals that eventually compiled into a nationwide story involving payment for players, which he allegedly had no knowledge of. Pitino has hired agent Drew Rosenhaus to represent him for the NBA going forward.
NBA GMs say are hesitant to consider Pitino for the hire and cite compliance with his ego and philosophies, especially if the circumstances are unfavorable.
In December 2017, Pitino sued Louisville’s Athletic Association for breach of contract. He had coached the Cardinals since 2001, and had previously worked as a head coach for the New York Knicks from 1987 to 1989 and for the Boston Celtics from 1997 to 2001.
Chris Mack ultimately replaced Pitino as Louisville’s head coach in March.
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