Could legendary college basketball coach Rick Pitino be returning to the sport?
After Alabama parted ways with coach Avery Johnson, fans and journalists alike have wondered if Pitino could make his triumphant return to the sport in Tuscaloosa. On Monday, basketball journalist Adam Zagoria caught up with Pitino to get his thoughts on the rumors.
Here’s what the coach said:
(1/2) I talked to @RealPitino about rumors he’s involved for the Alabama job:
‘The only thing I can say with my broken record is that in my 30+ years as a head coach I’ve never cut a dirty deal or gave any improper benefits to any athletes -All you have to do is ask my over 30
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) March 25, 2019
(2/2)
‘assistants who have become head coaches or any player that has played for me . ‘
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) March 25, 2019
The Hall-of-Fame coach didn’t address the Alabama rumors head-on but instead decided to use the opportunity to reaffirm his integrity. It’s clear that Pitino is mindful of his legacy and would likely jump at the chance to coach in the sport again.(RELATED: Avery Johnson Could Be Out At Alabama, Report Says)
It’s still probably unlikely, however, that he ends up at Alabama. Legendary radio host Paul Finebaum agreed with me, throwing cold water on the idea during a radio appearance in Birmingham on Monday morning.
Head coach Rick Pitino of the Louisville Cardinals … (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
“For that reason, I don’t think there’s any chance [Alabama Athletic Director Greg Byrne] would look at a coach who has been in the crosshairs of the NCAA. So you can take out anyone you want based on that premise,” Finebaum said. “He hasn’t said it but I feel pretty comfortable offering that.”
That’s about where I am. You can never say never in college sports, but the idea of Alabama hiring Pitino still seems far fetched.