Fansided

Richard Pitino isn’t leaving Gophers anytime soon

By FanSided Staff

Dec 19, 2012; Louisville, KY, USA; Florida International Golden Panthers head coach Richard Pitino hugs his father, Louisville Cardinals head coach Rick Pitino, before the first half at the KFC Yum! Center. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 19, 2012; Louisville, KY, USA; Florida International Golden Panthers head coach Richard Pitino hugs his father, Louisville Cardinals head coach Rick Pitino, before the first half at the KFC Yum! Center. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Richard Pitino addressed all the rumors surrounding potential coaching changes and assures Gopher’s fans that he isn’t going anywhere but Minnesota next year.

Richard Petino has been the talk of the town in Minnesota since the Gopher’s season ended. After winning the NIT in 2014 and a disappointing season this year, Petino had some rumors floating around about potentially leaving Minnesota and coaching at either St. Johns or Tennessee.

More from Mens Basketball

Fortunately for Gopher’s fans, this won’t be the case and they can find him on the sidelines next year.

"“With regard to the reports tying me to other collegiate men’s coaching positions, let me simply say that I am very happy at the University of Minnesota,” Petino said in a statement. “I am grateful to be coaching and living in such a great community that cares so much about this incredible university as well as its basketball program.”"

So it looks like the son of NCAA basketball coaching legend Rick Petino, will be returning to Minnesota. The Gopher’s were just 18-15 in the regular season and 6-12 in conference play. But with Petino returning as coach, they are adding four freshman next year who will all be able to make an impact in one way or another.

The biggest name in their 2015 recruiting class is Kevin Dorsey. A guard from Maryland, Dorsey is a four star recruit who plays like an undersized Russell Westbrook. His long arms and superior speed will give the Gophers that extra help on the perimeter and should be an immediate impact player on the court next year.

Richard Petino will have his work cut out for him for the young Gophers. But that is better than Minnesota not having a coach at all. Petino being so young himself (just 32 years old), has shown that he can coach well in post season play. And is the best option for Minnesota as a head coach moving forward.

More from FanSided