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- Rick Pitino says that he is not taking the head coaching job at Maryland despite reported interest by the Terrapins.
- Most college basketball fans believe that he is just holding out for more money.
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The University of Maryland chose to move on from head coach Mark Turgeon back in December of 2021. There has not been much movement or chatter surrounding who the Terrapins might chose to replace him since then.
Until recently, that is.
On Wednesday morning, a report surfaced out of the D.C., Virginia and Maryland area from ‘The Sports Junkies’ on 106.7 The Fan. According to host Jason Bishop, Maryland considers Rick Pitino to be its “top dog” for its next hire. Co-host Eric Bickel went so far as to say “he’s their number one choice.”
Pitino, who is currently in his second year as the head coach at Iona, has a distinguished resume on both the NCAA and NBA level. Most notably, the 69-year-old coached eight years at Kentucky and 16 years at Louisville, having won a national championship with both programs in 1996 and 2013, respectively.
Pitino’s tenure with the Cardinals came to a close in 2017 when he was fired during an NCAA investigation into the program that was centered around an escort scandal involving recruits. In addition, allegations against Louisville included payments of $100,000 to the family of a recruit.
Since then Pitino has spent three seasons coaching in Greece before taking over the Gaels in 2020. After reaching the NCAA Tournament in 2020/21, Iona is currently 23-5, first in its conference and in great shape to earn another March Madness birth.
As a result of Pitino’s history of success and recent winning ways, Maryland reportedly has him atop its big board.
The Terrapins want Pitino, but Pitino doesn’t necessarily want the Terrapins.
On Thursday morning, the 48-year coaching veteran made it clear that he does not have plans to leave New Rochelle anytime soon. Especially not for Maryland, despite his praise for the university and its basketball program.
The University of Maryland is one of the premier institutions of higher learning. It's basketball program can be among the nation’s best. I hope they find the next great Gary Williams. I love coaching at Iona, and I’m totally committed to my players. It will not be me.
— Rick Pitino (@RealPitino) March 3, 2022
However, very few people believe him. While there are certainly some Iona fans who are thrilled to see that he isn’t leaving, the vast majority of people on Twitter believe it to be PR for the moment. Some think that it is a negotiating tactic for more money.
Whether it is for Maryland or another open job, college basketball fans are not taking Pitino at his word and aren’t so sure that he isn’t leaving Iona.
https://twitter.com/skuepper/status/1499385359448387584?s=20&t=lAp0LJFF8h8T7qlLB1UKzA
My man is holding out https://t.co/KtNe1VMIzJ
— stephen (@esteban40218) March 3, 2022
Congrats to Maryland on hiring Rick Pitino https://t.co/h3ZAOSf2ei
— HurleyMania dot bsky dot social (@HurleyMania) March 3, 2022
Look like Rick Pitino will be coming to Maryland https://t.co/dDpcqiZUuO
— ducebiggie (@ducebiggie) March 3, 2022
https://twitter.com/MIG2732/status/1499393084303446017?s=20&t=lAp0LJFF8h8T7qlLB1UKzA
Rick Pitino: Noted truth teller. https://t.co/Pa6jqCDItD
— Jordan Gossett (@gossett55) March 3, 2022
Welcome to College Park, coach! https://t.co/5NpiaUh2Ci
— Ms Reyna🎙 (@RealMsReyna) March 3, 2022
Congrats to Rick Pitino on becoming the next Head Men’s Basketball Coach at the University of Maryland! https://t.co/XO2FGAtwlk
— Joey Lane (@JoeySmoke14) March 3, 2022
If there's two things we know about Rick Pitino, it's that he's unflinchingly loyal and that his word is his bond. https://t.co/xNHSuNlq7i
— Banners on the Parkway (@BannersParkway) March 3, 2022
Rick Pitino saying he isn’t leaving Iona for Maryland.
Ok, now. https://t.co/Iv2b0fGDoj
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) March 3, 2022
Sounds like he may be in. https://t.co/DqiIELRGjp
— Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) March 3, 2022
Rick Pitino to Maryland confirmed. https://t.co/wVOoweBQ3k
— Drake (@Drakeb4Degrassi) March 3, 2022
How big of a check does Kevin Plank have to cut to change your mind?
— The Shotgun and the Briefcase (@MickEnglewood) March 3, 2022
See you in College Park.
— Meisterbuerger (@meisterbuerger) March 3, 2022
Coach, pick up that call right now…. pic.twitter.com/JhlQ3eqSzf
— Nights King (@TheNightsKing2) March 3, 2022
Well, if it’s Rick Pitino saying it, THAT SETTLES IT.
— Todd Probus (@tprobus) March 3, 2022
I don’t believe you
— Matt Hamilton (@Matthamilton92) March 3, 2022
Welp Rick will be announced as the new Maryland coach by tomorrow…
— Danny Armstrong (@DArmstrong44) March 3, 2022