Rick Pitino Net Worth 2025, Contract and Salary
Rick Pitino has built a remarkable career as a basketball coach, making his mark in both college basketball and the NBA. He is currently the head coach of St. John’s University and has also led Greece’s senior national team.
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Over the years, Pitino has been at the helm of multiple NCAA Division I programs and has had stints in professional basketball.As a collegiate head coach, Pitino boasts an impressive record of 684–282, giving him a .708 winning percentage. This ranks him 11th among active coaches and 34th all-time among college basketball coaches.Pitino is widely recognized as one of the first coaches to fully embrace the 3-point shot, which was introduced to college basketball in 1987.
Rick Pitino Net Worth
As of 2025, Rick Pitino, the head coach of St. John's University men's basketball team, has an estimated net worth of $45 million. His wealth comes mainly from his long and successful coaching career, spanning both college basketball and the NBA. Over the years, Pitino has built a reputation as one of the most accomplished coaches in the sport, securing lucrative contracts and endorsement deals along the way.
| Name | Rick Pitino |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $45 million (as of 2025) |
| Current Contract | 6-year deal with St. John's ($20 million total) |
| Annual Salary | $4 million |
| Former Salary (Louisville) | $7.7 million per year |
| Primary Income Sources | Coaching contracts, endorsements, speaking engagements |
Rick Pitino Contract and Salary
In March 2023, Rick Pitino inked a six-year deal with St. John's University worth $20 million, securing his place as one of college basketball’s highest-paid coaches. His $4 million annual salary reflects his decades of experience and success in the sport.
Over the years, Pitino has landed major coaching contracts with powerhouse programs like Kentucky, Louisville, and the Boston Celtics. During his time at Louisville, he earned $7.7 million per year, ranking among the top-paid coaches in the country. Despite facing some controversies along the way, Pitino's coaching expertise and leadership have solidified his reputation as a key figure in basketball.
Rick Pitino Successful Coaching Career
Rick Pitino has built an extraordinary coaching legacy, shaping teams at both the college and professional levels with his strategic brilliance and leadership. Known for his up-tempo style, defensive intensity, and emphasis on the three-point shot, Pitino has left an indelible mark on basketball.
Pitino’s journey began in the mid-1970s as an assistant coach at Hawaii (1974–1976) and Syracuse (1976–1978) before landing his first head coaching job at Boston University (1978–1983). There, he turned a struggling program into an NCAA Tournament contender for the first time in 24 years.
He then made his way to the New York Knicks (1983–1985) as an assistant before taking over at Providence College (1985–1987). At Providence, Pitino pulled off one of the most memorable Cinderella stories in college basketball, leading the Friars to the 1987 Final Four—a moment that skyrocketed his career.
That success earned him the head coaching job at Kentucky (1989–1997), where he revived the program and brought the Wildcats back to dominance. Under his leadership, Kentucky won the 1996 NCAA Championship and made another Final Four appearance in 1993. His teams were known for their relentless three-point shooting, earning them the nickname “Pitino’s Bombinos.”
NBA Stint & Return to College Basketball (1997–2017)
In 1997, Pitino made the leap to the NBA as head coach and president of the Boston Celtics (1997–2001). However, his time in the pros didn’t go as planned, and after four seasons, he returned to the college game—this time with Louisville (2001–2017).
European Coaching & Comeback to NCAA (2018–Present)
After parting ways with Louisville, Pitino took his talents overseas, coaching Panathinaikos (2018–2020) in Greece. He proved his adaptability by winning a Greek League Championship, reinforcing his ability to succeed in any setting.
In 2021, he returned to the NCAA, taking over at Iona and leading the Gaels to two NCAA Tournament appearances before being hired by St. John’s in 2023. His return to a major program marked yet another chapter in his remarkable career.
Legacy & Impact
Pitino’s coaching philosophy—high-pressure defense, fast-paced offense, and a three-point-heavy attack—has influenced basketball at all levels. With over 700 career wins and multiple championships, he remains one of the most respected and accomplished coaches in the game.Even after decades in coaching, Pitino’s fire and passion for basketball remain as strong as ever. Whether in college, the NBA, or overseas, he has proven time and again that he’s one of the best to ever do it.
