At the age of 72, Rick Pitino has revitalized St. John’s basketball, leading the Red Storm to a Big East title and a No. 2 NCAA Tournament seed in 2025. With a record sixth program taken to March Madness, no one can deny the talent and coaching skills of Rick Pitino.
However, his age raises some eyebrows. In the latest episode of “The Field of 68: After Dark” podcast, hosts Rob Dauster and Jeff Goodman dissect Pitino’s future and whether St. John’s can maintain its resurgence post-Pitino. Combined with insights from recent analyses, this evaluation evaluates the long-term gamble of banking on an aging coach.
How Long Can Rick Pitino Lead St. John’s Basketball Team?
Pitino’s energy is pretty high, despite his age. The experts on the podcast say, “Rick Pitino is 72 years old… he doesn’t act 72. Some guys who are 72 act like they’re 80… Rick Pitino is neither. He’s 72 right now. The president is 78. Tell me you can’t see Rick Pitino being effective at 78 years old as a head coach of St. John’s because I could.”
Dauster agrees to this point, suggesting Pitino could coach “three, four, five” more seasons, potentially extending to 2028-30. Pitino’s physical and mental sharpness, evident in his bold halftime speeches and strategic transfer portal moves, further proves this statement.
For instance, his 2025 portal class, featuring five-star Ian Jackson and four-star talents like Bryce Hopkins and Dillon Mitchell, ranks No. 1 nationally, according to CBKReport. However, Pitino has already hinted at retirement once.
In a January 2025 interview with Sporting News, he admitted contemplating retirement for two decades, stating, “I’m not going to live forever.” While no timeline was set, this suggests he knows he can’t do this forever.
His history of resilience, rebounding from Louisville’s 2017 scandal to coach in Greece, Iona, and now St. John’s, makes it pretty clear that he won’t exit lightly. A 2025 Forbes report notes Pitino’s ability to adapt to the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era, taking advantage of donor support to attract talents like Kadary Richmond.
The podcast hosts asked the critical question: “Has he built St. John’s into something that you think can be sustainable, or is this just a flash in the pan?” Goodman believes St. John’s will carry momentum post-Pitino, driven by a re-energized fan base and significant financial backing, particularly from billionaire alum Mike Repole.
Repole, with an estimated $1.6 billion net worth, has fueled St. John’s NIL collective, enabling high-profile transfers and a projected $10-14 million NIL budget. Goodman argues, “There’ll be an opportunity for whoever follows him… there’s money there, and if there’s money there, you’re going to be in the equation every year.”
However, sustainability hinges on the next hire. Goodman warns, “The problem can be the money can dry up quickly if it’s not the right guy.” He cites Georgetown, where poor coaching hires led to a decline despite ample resources.
Dauster elaborates, noting that relying on a single “whale” booster like Repole risks instability if the donor’s preferred coach underperforms.
In the end, the experts and we can somewhat confidently say that Pitino could coach effectively until 78, giving St. John’s 5-6 more years of elite performance, potentially including a Final Four run. His 2025 success featuring 31 wins, a Big East title, and a top-10 ranking has restored St. John’s relevance, fulfilling Repole’s vision.
KEEP READING: 2025 Men’s College Basketball Transfer Portal Tracker
However, the post-Pitino era is a high-stakes bet. With $10-14 million in NIL funds, St. John’s can compete annually, but only if the next hire sustains the culture and navigates donor influence. Pitino’s legacy may be a double-edged sword, a revitalized program with a ticking clock.
As Dauster concludes, “The setup has to be right where the people with the money aren’t trying to have their fingertips on everything.” If St. John’s avoids a Mullin-esque misstep, Pitino’s foundation could endure. If not, this renaissance risks becoming a fleeting, Pitino-driven dream.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
