NCAA: St. John's makes Rick Pitino 2nd-highest-paid coach in Big East — report

St. John’s University confirmed Sunday that head coach Rick Pitino has signed a contract extension that will keep him with the Red Storm through the 2029-30 season, making him the second-highest-paid coach in the Big East.

Pitino, 73, has led St. John’s to back-to-back Big East regular-season and tournament titles, as well as a run to the Sweet 16 this past weekend. ESPN reported that the extension also includes a pay increase, following Pitino’s original six-year deal signed in 2023.

Under Pitino’s guidance, St. John’s posted a 30-7 record this season, reaching as high as No. 5 in the national rankings. The Red Storm also became the first Big East program to win consecutive regular-season and tournament championships. In the NCAA Tournament, St. John’s defeated Northern Iowa and Kansas before falling to Duke 80-75 in the East Region semifinals—only their second Sweet 16 appearance since 1999.

“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,” athletic director Ed Kull said. “This extension reflects our strong confidence in his leadership, vision, and commitment to our student-athletes. 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.”

Pitino, who has an 81-25 record with St. John’s, expressed his desire to continue coaching while his health allows. “I’d like to stay in as long as I can,” he said Thursday ahead of the game against Duke. “As long as God willing is giving me good health, I’d like to stay in it as long as I can.”

Throughout his legendary coaching career, Pitino has amassed a 915-318 overall record (.742) with stints at Hawaii, Boston University, Providence, Kentucky, Louisville, Iona, and St. John’s. He has led teams to 12 regular-season conference titles, 16 conference tournament championships, and NCAA championships with Kentucky in 1996 and Louisville in 2013.

Pitino also spent time in the NBA, coaching the New York Knicks (1987-89) and Boston Celtics (1997-2001), compiling a 192-220 record (.466).

—Field Level Media/Reuters