Rick Pitino is back in the Big Apple, and honestly, it feels like the natural order of the basketball universe has finally been restored. If you’re looking for the short answer to where does Rick Pitino coach, he is currently the head coach of the St. John’s Red Storm. He officially took the reins in March 2023, and as we move through the 2025-26 season, he’s got the program humming at a level Queens hasn't seen in decades.
It’s a perfect fit. Pitino, a native New Yorker who grew up on the streets of Manhattan and Long Island, is now patrolling the sidelines at Carnesecca Arena and Madison Square Garden.
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But this isn't just a "hometown hero" retirement tour. Far from it. At 73 years old, Pitino is coaching with the same manic intensity that defined his legendary runs at Kentucky and Louisville. He’s not just showing up; he’s actively rebuilding a Big East powerhouse.
The St. John's Era: Why the "Where" Matters
When people ask where does Rick Pitino coach, they usually aren't just looking for a school name—they’re looking for the context of his comeback. After his departure from Louisville and a stint in Greece with Panathinaikos, Pitino spent three years proving he still had "it" at Iona University. He dominated the MAAC, taking the Gaels to two NCAA Tournaments.
That success made him the hottest coaching free agent in the country. St. John’s, a program that had been stuck in neutral for the better part of twenty years, decided to go "all in." They signed him to a massive six-year contract worth roughly $20 million.
The impact was immediate.
In his first season (2023-24), Pitino led the Red Storm to 20 wins. By his second season (2024-25), he had them at 31 wins, a Big East regular-season title, and a Big East Tournament championship. He was even named the 2025 AP Coach of the Year. He’s basically turned a sleeping giant into a legitimate national title contender in under 24 months.
A Family Affair in the Big East
Here is a wild detail that makes the "where" even more interesting: Rick isn't the only Pitino in the conference. In March 2025, his son, Richard Pitino, was hired as the head coach at Xavier.
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Think about that.
The Big East now features father-vs-son matchups on the regular. When St. John’s travels to Cincinnati or Xavier comes to the Garden, it’s not just a conference game; it’s a family reunion with high-stakes recruiting implications. Richard previously coached at Minnesota and New Mexico, but coming to Xavier puts him right in his father’s path.
Where Does Rick Pitino Coach Today?
Right now, Pitino's St. John's squad is one of the deepest in the country. He’s leveraged the transfer portal like a master, bringing in high-end talent to supplement his intense defensive schemes.
- Zuby Ejiofor: The senior forward and Preseason Big East Player of the Year. He’s the engine of the frontcourt.
- Bryce Hopkins: A versatile guard/forward who followed Pitino’s vision to Queens.
- The New Guard: Guys like Ian Jackson and Joson Sanon represent the high-level recruiting floor Pitino has established.
The 2025-26 team currently holds a 12-5 record (as of mid-January 2026) and is squarely in the mix for another deep March run.
Dealing with New York Pressure
It hasn't been all sunshine and roses. Just recently, in January 2026, the program hit a bit of a snag when general manager Matt Abdelmassih was dismissed due to university financial concerns. Pitino, in typical blunt fashion, told reporters it was "warranted" and that he was already looking for a replacement.
That’s the Rick Pitino way. No excuses. No looking back. Just the next game.
The Pitino Coaching Tree and Legacy
To understand why it matters so much where Rick Pitino coaches, you have to look at his history. He is the first coach to take three different schools to the Final Four (Providence, Kentucky, and Louisville) and the first to win national titles at two different schools.
While his time at Louisville ended in a cloud of NCAA investigations, his "rehabilitation" through Iona and now St. John's has been a masterclass in professional resilience. He’s essentially outlasted his critics by simply winning too much to be ignored.
The "Pitino Brand" of basketball—full-court press, relentless conditioning, and a motion offense—is now the standard at St. John's. He’s even been vocal about the future of the sport, suggesting $2 million salary caps for Big East rosters to help manage the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) era. He’s not just coaching a team; he’s trying to shape the league.
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What to Watch For Next
If you’re following the Red Storm this season, here is what you need to keep an eye on:
- The Madison Square Garden Factor: St. John’s is playing more "home" games at the Garden than ever before. Pitino knows that winning in the world's most famous arena is the key to recruiting the next generation of New York stars.
- The Matchup with Xavier: Mark your calendar for February 24, 2026. That’s when the father-son coaching battle takes center stage.
- The General Manager Search: How Pitino replaces Abdelmassih will tell us a lot about the program's NIL stability moving forward.
Rick Pitino at St. John's isn't just a coaching hire; it's a cultural shift for New York basketball. For the first time in a long time, the Red Storm isn't just a local team—they're a national conversation.
To stay updated on Pitino's progress, follow the official St. John's Athletics site or catch the Red Storm on the Big East Digital Network. If you're in New York, getting a ticket to a game at Carnesecca is getting harder by the day, so plan your trip to Queens or the Garden well in advance.