Louisville coach Rick Pitino said in an official statement that he is not interested in taking the Sacramento Kings’ coaching position, despite reports that his representatives recently contacted the Kings. The Sacramento Bee mentioned Rick Pitino’s name in conjunction with the position in a story about the Kings’ latest candidates.
A host of others are being considered, from Bernie Bickerstaff (Chicago assistant who spent 13-plus seasons as head coach of Seattle, Denver, Washington and Charlotte) to Lon Kruger (current UNLV coach and former Atlanta coach) to Dave Cowens (parts of six seasons with Boston, Charlotte and Golden State) and perhaps even Rick Pitino (current Louisville coach who coached six seasons in New York and Boston).
Other reporters on the Kings beat confirmed the speculation about Pitino. The Sacramento Bee’s Sam Amrick wrote on his blog Friday that although Pitino might be a candidate, he’s far from a frontrunner.
While my sources had indicated that the Maloofs are intrigued by the possibility of Pitino running the show, the other factors involved – from his current contract to his potential expectations on a possible new deal with the Kings – qualify this as a longshot (yes, I realize Louisville has said Pitino isn’t going anywhere but what else can they say right now?). Truth be told, I continue to hear that Eddie Jordan is the frontrunner that for some reason hasn’t been brought in yet, even if every passing day means the increased likelihood that Philadelphia puts interim coach Tony DiLeo in the front office and swoops in and picks Jordan up.
As reports from Sacramento gathered momentum on message boards and the rumor mill, Louisville felt the need to clear the air. University spokesman Kenny Klein published a couple of Twitter posts that seek to reassure Cardinal fans that Pitino will remain in Louisville.
Just to be clear once again. Coach Pitino or no one representing him has spoken to the Kings, and no one has contacted him.
Coach Pitino was in his office today and I have spoke to him directly about these rumors. Please let them cease. Have a nice weekend.
