The Iowa Hawkeyes have had several mediocre seasons in recent years. However, many Big Ten coaches still believed the program should retain Fran McCaffery. That wasn't the case, though, as the Hawkeyes decided to part ways with him after their elimination in the second round of the Big Ten Tournnt.
McCaffery had been the head coach in Iowa City for 15 seasons, but eventually, all things must come to an end. His departure has led to several potential replacements being discussed. Darian DeVries was a favorite for some time, but he recently accepted the head coaching job in Bloomington.
The new favorite is Drake's Ben McCollum, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel. However, there is another name gaining traction on the hot boards. He has been around the game of basketball his entire life, as his father is one of the greatest head coaches in college basketball history.
That coach is Richard Pitino, the current head coach at New Mexico, who led the team to the NCAA Tournament this season. Pitino is the son of current St. John's head coach Rick Pitino, who has won two national championships and amassed 884 career wins.
Richard Pitino has been frequently mentioned in discussions for head coaching positions but has yet to land one. He previously coached in the Big Ten at Minnesota, though his tenure there didn't end well.
"But he is probably due for another Power 5 job based on his success at New Mexico," BoilerHawk wrote.
Pitino is on the brink of a successful coaching career, and it's widely believed that the next opportunity he receives, he will make the most of it. He was named Mountain West Conference Coach of the Year this season. At just 42 years old, Pitino has plenty of time to dedicate his career to a program if given the chance.
McCaffery had been the head coach in Iowa City for 15 seasons, but eventually, all things must come to an end. His departure has led to several potential replacements being discussed. Darian DeVries was a favorite for some time, but he recently accepted the head coaching job in Bloomington.
The new favorite is Drake's Ben McCollum, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel. However, there is another name gaining traction on the hot boards. He has been around the game of basketball his entire life, as his father is one of the greatest head coaches in college basketball history.
That coach is Richard Pitino, the current head coach at New Mexico, who led the team to the NCAA Tournament this season. Pitino is the son of current St. John's head coach Rick Pitino, who has won two national championships and amassed 884 career wins.
Richard Pitino has been frequently mentioned in discussions for head coaching positions but has yet to land one. He previously coached in the Big Ten at Minnesota, though his tenure there didn't end well.
"But he is probably due for another Power 5 job based on his success at New Mexico," BoilerHawk wrote.
Pitino is on the brink of a successful coaching career, and it's widely believed that the next opportunity he receives, he will make the most of it. He was named Mountain West Conference Coach of the Year this season. At just 42 years old, Pitino has plenty of time to dedicate his career to a program if given the chance.
