Rick Pitino made his stance clear Wednesday night regarding the New York Knicks’ head coaching vacancy.
While throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at Yankee Stadium, the St. John’s coach joined the YES Network broadcast and addressed whether he would consider returning to the NBA.
“Absolutely not,” Pitino said when asked about the Knicks job.
The 72-year-old Hall of Famer left no room for interpretation, ending speculation that he might be in the mix for the role following Tom Thibodeau’s departure.
Pitino completed his second season at St. John’s, guiding the Red Storm to a 31–5 record.
The Knicks are reportedly exploring several options after dismissing Thibodeau, who led New York to the Eastern Conference Finals this year.
Despite posting a 51–31 record and the franchise’s best back-to-back regular seasons in decades, the front office opted to part ways with the veteran coach.
Marc Stein reported that New York has interest in Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd and Rockets coach Ime Udoka, though both are under contract and not expected to be made available.
A Rockets source told Stein that Houston would “categorically” deny permission for Udoka, who led the team to a 52–30 record and a Southwest Division title.
Kidd’s situation remains uncertain, but Dallas is unlikely to entertain an approach after recently winning the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery.
Pitino, who last coached in the NBA in 2001, made it clear he has no intention of returning to the league.
