NCAA Coaching Carousel: New Mexico Names Richard Pitino New Coach

Richard Pitino wasn’t out of work for long.One day after news broke that Minnesota was parting ways with Pitino, he was announced as the new head coach at the University of New Mexico.Former Nebraska and Colorado State coach Tim Miles was also under consideration, and Memphis assistant Cody Toppert also received an interview.“My wife Jill, our children and I are very excited to join the Lobo Family,” Pitino said in a statement. “I want to extend my sincere thanks to President Stokes, Eddie Nuñez and David Williams for extending this opportunity. Lobo Basketball holds a special place in the hearts of New Mexicans, and I cannot wait to get started.”Pitino, 38, went 141-123 in eight seasons at Minnesota making two NCAA Tournament appearances. He also won an NIT championship in 2014. Minnesota finished 14-15 this season, 6-14 in the Big Ten.