Rick Pitino Commits to St. John's, Declines UNC Coaching Job

Veteran coach signs extension to remain with Red Storm through 2030 season.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 10:48pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the action of a college basketball game, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the official team colors of St. John's University and the University of North Carolina.Pitino's decision to remain at St. John's signals a shift in the college basketball power dynamics, as the Red Storm look to challenge the Tar Heels and other top programs.Chapel Hill Today

Veteran college basketball coach Rick Pitino has decided to remain at St. John's University, declining an opportunity to take over as the new head coach at the University of North Carolina. Pitino 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 conference.

Why it matters

Pitino's decision is a major boost for the St. John's program, which has struggled in recent years but is now poised to become a perennial contender in the Big East with Pitino at the helm and significant financial backing from a billionaire booster. Meanwhile, UNC is left to continue its search for a new head coach after the dismissal of Hubert Davis.

The details

After rumors swirled that Pitino was a top candidate for the UNC job, the veteran coach ultimately decided to remain at St. John's. His new contract extension includes an additional year and a significant pay increase, making him the second-highest paid coach in the Big East. Billionaire booster Mike Repole, who has already pledged $5 million to the St. John's program this season, has vowed to spend the same amount or more to help Pitino build a national title contender with the Red Storm.

  • On Sunday, March 29, 2026, Pitino made his final decision to remain at St. John's.
  • Pitino's contract extension with St. John's runs through the 2029-30 season.

The players

Rick Pitino

A veteran college basketball coach who has agreed to a contract extension to remain the head coach at St. John's University through the 2029-30 season.

Mike Repole

A billionaire booster who has publicly stated he is willing to spend $5 million or more per season to help Rick Pitino build a national title contender at St. John's.

Hubert Davis

The former head coach of the University of North Carolina men's basketball team, who was recently dismissed from his position.

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What they’re saying

“The deal includes an additional year through the 2029-30 season and a significant increase in pay to make him the Big East's second-highest-paid coach.”

— Pete Thamel, ESPN senior college sports insider

“I spent $5 million on the team this season, and I'm willing to spend the same amount or more if that is what it takes for Pitino to win a national title with the Red Storm.”

— Mike Repole, Billionaire booster

What’s next

North Carolina will continue its search for a new head coach after Pitino's decision to remain at St. John's, with the Tar Heels looking to find the true heir to the legendary Roy Williams.

The takeaway

Rick Pitino's decision to stay at St. John's is a major win for the program, which now has the financial backing and coaching expertise to become a perennial contender in the Big East. Meanwhile, UNC is left to continue its search for a new head coach, highlighting the impact of Pitino's decision on the broader college basketball landscape.