Minnesota Golden Gophers head basketball coach Richard Pitino reportedly interviewed for the New Mexico head coaching job on Saturday.
According to the Albuquerque Journal’s Geoff Grammer, Pitino met with New Mexico Athletic Director Eddie Nuñez and deputy AD David Williams in Chicago to discuss the position. Pitino was one of three candidates to interview along with former Nebraska head coach Tim Miles and Stephen F. Austin head coach Kyle Keller.
Pitino has several connections at New Mexico, who agreed to part ways with Paul Weir earlier this month. Lobos assistant Dan McHale was an assistant under Pitino at Minnesota from 2013-15 and fellow assistant Scott Padgett was recruited by Richard’s father, Rick, to play for Kentucky.
While Nuñez and Williams did not confirm the interviews took place, Pitino’s interest in the job is interesting as no formal announcement has been made regarding Pitino’s status with the Gophers.
Pitino’s future in Minnesota is in question as the Gophers lost 11 of their final 14 games to close out the 2020-21 season. Pitino compiled a 141-123 record in eight seasons at Minnesota but produced just two NCAA tournament appearances and one winning season in Big Ten conference play.
The situation could have more clarity as the NCAA Tournament field is released on Sunday night. According to ESPN’s Joe Lunardi’s latest projection, the Gophers are not expected to make the tournament.
