After leading Iona to MAAC title, here's the latest on Rick Pitino on coaching job rumors
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ATLANTIC CITY - The rumors are far from whispers now.
Everyone from opposing fans to various media outlets and the casual college basketball fan scrolling social media wants to know, is Rick Pitino staying at Iona or going?
With the Gaels winning their second conference title in three years under Pitino's watch on Saturday, was that the last time we'll see the hall of fame coach at the MAAC Tournament?
"My interest lies in my team," Pitino said, dismissing the rumors. "I'm very thankful to Iona University. I think (St. John's buzz) that's because (St. John's president) Fr. (Brian) Shanley and I both worked as (Providence) Friars, but you have to understand one thing. The biggest factor in my life is winning more so than the Big East or anything, winning is the most important thing in my life. In the two years, in league play, we are 35-6.
"We've been to Hawaii, Las Vegas, New Mexico with 15,000 crazy fans. We played in the Barclays Center against St. Bonaventure, we played Saint Louis at home, Penn and Princeton. Winning to me — if I ever move — I'd have to have firm belief that the job I take, wherever it may be, can win like Iona. I'm not sure there are many out there."
'Internet noise:' Gaels' players, staff not bothered or distracted by Rick Pitino coaching rumors
Pitino, who previously mentioned that Iona would be his final stop in his coaching career before retirement, has noted that the small Catholic school nature and ability to return to New York, his home state and be surrounded by family, was appealing to him when he first took the job.
An avid golfer, he also lives on Winged Foot Golf Club and was notably seen watching the U.S. Open from his backyard in 2020.
The 70-year old coach is a combined 65-21 over his three years at Iona, with two MAAC regular season and tournament titles. He's been linked to vacant coaching positions at Texas Tech and Georgetown, as well as St. John's, which has garnered the most buzz for its proximity and reported "mutual interest" between both sides.
"I haven't thought about it yet, because all I'm thinking about is getting these guys where they want to go," Pitino said of his future. "They don't come any better than my AD, the best in the business. Superstar. I got the best players in the world. If somebody can match this culture, I want to see it because we built the culture.
"They don't miss a class, the women don't miss a class. They put in so many hours. They're respectful. This culture is incredible and it's all because of the leadership of Matt (Glovaski, the AD)."
Follow Eugene Rapay on Twitter at @erapay5 and on Instagram at @byeugenerapay.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Rick Pitino coaching rumors: Latest news after Iona wins MAAC title
