Richard Pitino Will Be Next FIU Coach, Rick Pitino Confirms

Richard Pitino Will Be Next FIU Coach, Rick Pitino Confirms

Richard Pitino is the son of a legend in the world of basketball, and will be replacing another legend at Florida International, according to his father. Rick Pitino confirmed to the Associated Press that Richard Pitino will be the next coach at FIU, replacing the outgoing Isiah Thomas.

"You know I'm delighted, but I'm going miss [him] terribly," Rick Pitino told the Associated Press. "I think one of the great things in 35 years of coaching was spending three years with him. Watch him grow as a basketball coach, and you sort of don't want it to end."

Richard Pitino coached under his father at Louisville as an assistant for three years, from 2007 to 2009 and in 2011-12, and has additionally served as an assistant at Florida, Duquense and Northeastern. At 29, he will become the youngest college basketball head coach in Division I as the Golden Panthers' head man, according to Statsheet.

For more on college basketball, visit SB Nation's college basketball hub.

Richard Pitino Hired As Head Coach At Florida International, According To Reports

Louisville Associate Head Coach Richard Pitino will be the next head coach at Florida International University, according to reports. He will replace the fired Isiah Thomas.

VIDEO: FIU Basketball Players Protest Isiah Thomas' Firing With Walkout

Isiah Thomas Fired As Florida International's Head Coach

Isiah Thomas has been let go as the head coach at Florida International, the athletic department announced Friday. A desire to return to the NBA may have played a large part in the decision.