Rick Pitino

Rick Pitino: Profile

When the University of Louisville went looking for its first new men's basketball coach in 30 years just nine years ago, it didn't just get the best person available. The Cardinals got arguably the best person, period.

Rick Pitino, one of the most brilliant minds in coaching, began a new era in University of Louisville men's basketball when he was named head coach of the Cardinals on March 21, 2001. And as he successfully accomplished at his previous three collegiate coaching stops, it is clear a decade later that there couldn't have been a finer choice to continue to lead Louisville to its place among the nation's elite teams.

The only coach in NCAA history to take three different teams to the NCAA Final Four, Pitino's up-tempo style, pressure defense, strong work ethic and family atmosphere have quickly returned the Cardinals to national prominence, with top 25 rankings over the last eight years and a visit to at least the final eight teams of the NCAA Tournament in three of the last seven years as evidence.

In 25 seasons as a collegiate head coach at four different schools, Pitino has compiled a 597-220 record, a .731 winning percentage that ranks him 12th among active coaches. He has a 245-96 record in 10 seasons at UofL, the third winningest coach in Cardinal history. UofL is among the nations' top 15 programs in winning percentage over the last decade under his guidance. His current contract ties him with UofL through 2016-2017.

A 2006 inductee to the New York City Hall of Fame, Pitino has embraced the storied tradition of Louisville Basketball and made a commitment to producing a vibrant program that will soon challenge for a national title.

Pitino's impact goes beyond the teaching, motivation and X's and O's of his on-the-court skills. His incredible charisma, tireless work ethic, captivating speaking skills and widespread appeal not only mesmerize the Cardinal faithful, but have the college basketball world abuzz as well. His arrival in Louisville has generated incredible attention beyond the borders of the state he and his family have come to love.

Pitino is known for getting his players to believe in themselves, instilling the desire to succeed and driving his players to overachieve. His former players speak of their coach's caring nature beyond their basketball skills.

Aside from his hoops prowess, Pitino has achieved success off the court as well in such realms as broadcasting, publishing, motivational speaking and horse racing. He is an accomplished author, producing such books as the best seller Success Is A Choice and Lead to Succeed.

He earned his degree in 1974 at Massachusetts, where he was a standout guard for the Minutemen's basketball team. His 329 career assists rank eighth all-time at UMass and his 168 assists as a senior is the sixth-best single season total ever there.