A Pitino takes U of M men's basketball coaching job

Richard Pitino
Florida International coach Richard Pitino gestures during the second half of the Sun Belt Conference championship college basketball game in Hot Springs, Ark., Monday, March 11, 2013. Pitino is reportedly in negotiations to become the next head coach of the University of Minnesota Gophers men's basketball team.
Danny Johnston/ASSOCIATED PRESS

University of Minnesota officials are expected to introduce the next head coach of the men's basketball team tomorrow in a news conference.

He has a familiar last name -- Pitino. But he's not the legendary Louisville head coach Rick Pitino. Instead, it's Richard Pitino, Rick's 30-year-old son.

Pitino accepted the job Wednesday after several other candidates turned it down. He replaces Tubby Smith, who was fired last week.

MPR's Cathy Wurzer spoke with Amelia Rayno, who covers the team for the Star Tribune, about the new coach.

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