St. John’s Extends Rick Pitino’s Contract, Making Him Big East’s 2nd Highest Paid Coach

St. John's University has extended head basketball coach Rick Pitino's contract through the 2029-30 season with a significant pay raise. The deal makes the 73-year-old coach the second-highest paid in the Big East conference behind UConn's Dan Hurley.

St. John’s University announced Sunday that head basketball coach Rick Pitino has received a contract extension and salary boost following the team’s impressive recent performance. The university confirmed the veteran coach’s deal has been extended through the 2029-30 season.

According to ESPN’s reporting, Pitino’s original six-year agreement from 2023 now includes an extra year along with increased compensation that positions him as the Big East’s second-highest paid coach, trailing only Dan Hurley at UConn.

The 73-year-old coach has compiled an 81-25 record during his tenure with the Red Storm, leading the program to two NCAA Tournament berths. This includes their current March Madness run that ended Friday with a narrow 80-75 loss to Duke in the Sweet 16. The appearance marked just their second time reaching the tournament’s regional semifinals since 1999.

Athletic director Ed Kull expressed enthusiasm about securing Pitino’s future with the program. “We’re thrilled that Coach Pitino has signed a new agreement to remain at St. John’s, a deal that will keep him in Queens through the end of the decade,” Kull stated. “This extension reflects our strong confidence in his leadership, vision and commitment to our student-athletes.”

Kull continued his praise, adding: “Coach Pitino has changed the culture of our community, and we want his presence to be felt on this campus for years to come. We look forward to more Big East championships and NCAA tournament runs with Coach Pitino at the helm.”

Under Pitino’s guidance, St. John’s completed the season with a 30-7 record and earned rankings as high as fifth nationally. The Red Storm achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Big East school to capture both regular-season and conference tournament championships in back-to-back years. Their NCAA Tournament victories came against Northern Iowa and Kansas before falling to Duke.

When asked about his future plans during Thursday’s pre-game media session, Pitino expressed his desire to continue coaching. “I’d like to stay in as long as I can,” he said. “As long as God willing is giving me good health, I’d like to stay in it as long as I can.”

Pitino brings extensive experience to St. John’s, with a career coaching record of 915-318 (.742 winning percentage). His coaching journey has included positions at Hawaii (1975-76), Boston University (1978-83), Providence (1985-87), Kentucky (1989-97), Louisville (2001-17), Iona (2020-22), and now St. John’s.

Throughout his career, Pitino has secured 12 regular-season conference championships and 16 conference tournament titles. His most notable achievements include leading Kentucky to the 1996 NCAA championship and Louisville to the 2013 national title.

Pitino also spent time in professional basketball, coaching the New York Knicks (1987-89) and Boston Celtics (1997-2001), where he posted a combined 192-220 record (.466 winning percentage).