As Texas Tech begin its search for a new head coach following the resignation of Mark Adams, an intriguing candidate has generated significant interest from the program in recent days, according to multiple reports.
Texas Tech has reportedly expressed “serious interest” in Iona coach Rick Pitino over the last 36 hours to replace Adams, per Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports. The report was later confirmed by the New York Post’s Zach Braziller, who noted the Red Raiders have “made it clear they are very interested” in hiring the 70-year-old to the role.
Friday’s report comes less than two days after Adams stepped down from the position shortly after he was suspended for making an “inappropriate, unacceptable, and racially insensitive comment” to a player earlier this month. Later that day, Texas Tech’s season came to an end with a first round loss in the Big 12 Tournament to cap a 16–16 campaign. Adams, who was in his second season, compiled a 43–25 record and a 17–19 mark in conference play during his time with the Red Raiders.
Texas Tech’s reported interest in Pitino also comes on the heels of Thursday report suggesting that St. John’s has interest in hiring him to the same role in the event the job became available. On Friday, the program reportedly decided to part ways with coach Mike Anderson after four seasons.
With more high-level jobs opening up around the NCAA, Pitino figures to remain in the conversation as more programs evaluate potential candidates. In the short-term, the legendary coach is currently looking to lead the Gaels to their second-straight MAAC title, with the team hoping to keep their season alive with a win over Niagara in the conference tournament semifinals Friday night.
In his three seasons at Iona, Pitino has amassed a 62–21 record (40–9 in MAAC), including a 25–7 record (17–3 MAAC) this season. In addition to pursuing their second-straight MAAC title, the program finished the season with its second consecutive regular-season title.
