Gophers, Coach Pitino agree to 2-year contract extension

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - The University of Minnesota and head men's basketball coach Richard Pitino agreed to a two-year contract extension, the university announced Sunday.

According to a release, the agreement now heads to the Board of Regents for approval. 

"My family and I have loved living in the Twin Cities the last six years," Pitino said in the release.  "We have met so many wonderful, supportive people.  It's an honor to be able to continue to lead this Gopher basketball program.  I enjoy working with my athletics director, Mark Coyle, every day.  I would like to thank Mark, President Kaler, and the University for continuing to believe in me. I look forward to continuing to move this special program forward."

Pitino, who just completed his sixth season with the Gophers, helped the team reach its second NCAA Tournament spot in the last three years. In the first round of the East Regional, Pitino's Gopher squad "upset No. 7-seed Louisville, marking just the second NCAA tournament victory since 1990."

Richard Pitino has served as head basketball coach at the University of Minnesota since April of 2013. He came to Minnesota after serving as the head coach of Florida International University. In 2017, he was named the Big Ten Coach of the Year.

According to the release, Pitino's players have earned seven All-Big Ten honors including first team selection Jordan Murphy and third team honoree Amir Coffey this year. His record at Minnesota stands at 112-91, including three 20-win seasons during his tenure.

Last January, FOX 9 launched "The Richard Pitino Show." Hosted by Coach Pitino, Fox 9 Sports Anchor Hobie Artigue and KFAN’s Justin Gaard, “The Richard Pitino Show” is a half-hour, live program providing a weekly breakdown of the Minnesota Gophers season.