In a positive step in securing his own legacy, coach Richard Pitino has signed a contract extension with the Minnesota basketball program that will keep him around through the 2021-2022 season.
The son of legendary Louisville head coach Rick Pitino, Richard has been a Division I head coach for the past five seasons.
Minnesota's Richard Pitino has received a contract extension through the 2021-22 season, per release.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) May 3, 2017
The extension comes after the biggest turnaround of any other NCAA team last season. After going just 8-23 in the 2015-16 season, the Golden Gophers managed to go 24-10 and make an appearance in the NCAA tournament.
It was Pitino’s first tournament appearance as a head coach, which also includes one season with Florida International University, in Miami, FL. He managed to win the NIT in the 2013-14 season, though, his first with the Gophers.
With this extension, the board and the athletic department and Minnesota has given Pitino the ultimate vote of confidence. He will be expected to build off of last years appearance, and do better than a first round exit if possible.
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