St. John’s could be one of several schools looking to make a head coaching change in the coming months after its 2022–23 season ended in disappointment on Thursday. And, according to Zach Braziller of the New York Post, the Red Storm could be eyeing a legendary coach whose future has been a subject of debate in recent months.
Iona coach Rick Pitino is reportedly believed to be a “realistic candidate” for St. John’s if the job becomes available, according to Braziller. The Post’s report also noted both parties are said to have “mutual interest,” with the current indication suggesting the program could move on from coach Mike Anderson, who signed a six-year contract extension in 2021 and has a $10 million buyout.
Rumors of St. John’s interest in Pitino, who’s spent the last three seasons at Iona, came shortly after the Red Storm (18–15) fell to Marquette in a 72–70 overtime loss in the quarterfinals of the Big East tournament. The defeat guaranteed a fourth straight season without a Big East championship or NCAA Tournament berth for St. John’s and Anderson, who has gone 68–55 with a 30–46 conference record during his four-year tenure.
Meanwhile, Pitino and the Gaels are looking to continue their successful season with a win over Niagara in the MAAC tournament semifinals on Friday. In search of their second straight conference title, Iona claimed its second consecutive regular-season title after finishing first in the MAAC with a 25–7 record, and a 17–3 mark in conference play.
While Pitino’s time at Iona has proved beneficial for all involved, it remains to be seen what the the 70-year-old will decide to do as he remains an intriguing candidate for a high-level job. Last month, Pitino, who has three years left on his current contract, addressed the idea during an interview with CBS Sports, where he said it would take a “really special” program to lure him away from Iona.
“It would have to be someplace really, really special with the type of president that I have here,” he said. “If I wanted to leave, it would be a job that I thought could get to a Final Four.”
