St. John's Extends Coach Rick Pitino's Contract Through 2030

The Hall of Fame coach has led the Red Storm to Big East titles and an NCAA Sweet 16 appearance.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:33pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the action and movement of a basketball game, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and form conveying the intensity and strategy of the sport.The cubist composition captures the dynamic energy and strategic complexity of college basketball, reflecting the transformative impact of Coach Pitino's leadership at St. John's.Queens Today

St. John's University has signed Hall of Fame basketball coach Rick Pitino to a new contract extension that will keep him with the school through the 2029-30 season. Pitino was initially hired in 2023 on a six-year deal, but the new agreement adds an additional year and a raise that will make him the second-highest paid coach in the Big East conference.

Why it matters

Pitino's contract extension solidifies his commitment to rebuilding the St. John's basketball program, which has struggled for decades to regain its former glory. His success in just three seasons, including back-to-back Big East titles and an NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 appearance, has energized the Queens community and boosted the school's national profile.

The details

The 73-year-old Pitino was hired by St. John's in March 2023 on a six-year deal. His new agreement, which was first reported by anonymous sources, includes a one-year extension through the 2029-30 season as well as a raise that will make him the second-highest paid coach in the Big East behind UConn's Dan Hurley.

  • Pitino was hired by St. John's in March 2023 on a six-year contract.
  • The new extension will keep Pitino at St. John's through the 2029-30 season.

The players

Rick Pitino

A Hall of Fame basketball coach who has led a remarkable resurgence of the St. John's program in his three seasons, guiding the Red Storm to consecutive Big East regular-season and tournament championships.

Ed Kull

The athletic director at St. John's University, who expressed the school's strong confidence in Pitino's leadership and commitment to the student-athletes.

Dan Hurley

The head coach of the University of Connecticut, who is currently the highest-paid coach in the Big East conference.

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What they’re saying

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

— Ed Kull, Athletic Director, St. John's University

“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.”

— Ed Kull, Athletic Director, St. John's University

What’s next

The new contract extension will keep Coach Pitino at St. John's through the 2029-30 season, ensuring stability and continuity for the Red Storm basketball program as they look to build on their recent success and compete for more Big East titles and NCAA Tournament berths.

The takeaway

Pitino's contract extension is a major win for St. John's, solidifying the Hall of Fame coach's commitment to the program and providing a clear path forward as the Red Storm look to cement their status as a perennial Big East and NCAA Tournament contender. The new deal reflects the school's confidence in Pitino's ability to sustain the program's recent resurgence and continue elevating St. John's to national prominence.