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New Rochelle Today
By the People, for the People
Rick Pitino Reveals Key to Coaching Career Longevity
The Hall of Fame coach credits adaptability as he continues to lead St. John's at age 73.
Published on Mar. 6, 2026
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Rick Pitino, the Hall of Fame college basketball coach, has revealed the key to his long and successful coaching career - adaptability. Now 73 years old and in his third season leading St. John's, Pitino has over 900 wins and says he's not ready to walk away from the game, crediting his ability to adjust to the changing landscape of college basketball over his 50+ years on the sidelines.
Why it matters
Pitino's longevity and continued success at an advanced age for a basketball coach is remarkable, especially given the rapid evolution of the sport over his decades-long career. His insights on the importance of adaptability provide valuable lessons for coaches at all levels looking to sustain long-term careers.
The details
Pitino told Colin Cowherd that being adaptable to the changing game has been crucial, comparing it to the NFL shifting away from a ground-and-pound running game to a more pass-heavy, wide receiver-focused offense. He said coaches who refuse to change "get out" of the profession. Pitino also credited feeling 30 years younger than his age of 73 and his time away from coaching in Greece as factors that have kept him energized and eager to continue coaching at the highest level.
- Pitino is in his third season as head coach of St. John's.
- St. John's is currently tied for first place in the Big East conference with UConn.
The players
Rick Pitino
A Hall of Fame college basketball coach with over 900 career wins, currently in his third season as head coach of the St. John's Red Storm.
Joson Sanon
A player on Pitino's current St. John's roster.
What they’re saying
“I think being adaptable is key. I've been coaching 50 years now. I met with one of my players, Joson Sanon, the other day and I said, 'Listen, Jo. I may be 73, but I act like I'm 43. I've heard every story from every player. There's nothing you can tell me that I haven't heard. So if you've got a problem, if you want to get something off your chest, tell me. I'm going to act like a 43-year-old for you.'”
— Rick Pitino, Head Coach, St. John's (The Herd with Colin Cowherd)
“Coaches that don't want to change get out. And I wasn't ready to get out because I took two years off and my golf wasn't very good. Going to the race track, I was losing too much money. I'd like to keep the money in my pocket and coach basketball.”
— Rick Pitino, Head Coach, St. John's (The Herd with Colin Cowherd)
What’s next
St. John's and UConn will face off on Friday with the Big East regular season title on the line.
The takeaway
Rick Pitino's ability to adapt to the evolving game of college basketball over his 50+ year coaching career is a key reason for his sustained success and longevity. His insights on the importance of embracing change provide a valuable lesson for coaches at all levels looking to prolong their careers.
