Xavier University has swiftly appointed Richard Pitino as its new head coach after Sean Miller’s abrupt departure to Texas. This pivotal decision comes as the Musketeers aim to maintain their competitive edge in college basketball.

Pitino, 42, arrives at Xavier after a successful tenure at New Mexico, where he led the team to significant achievements in the Mountain West. In his statement, he expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity, emphasizing that coaching in the Big East has always been a dream for him. “Xavier is one of the great brands in all of college basketball,” he remarked.

Under his leadership, New Mexico made strides in the NCAA Tournament, including a remarkable upset against Marquette. However, his connection with Xavier diverges from the school’s previous recruiting patterns, signaling a noteworthy shift in their coaching direction.

With Sean Miller’s controversial exit, Xavier has taken considerable measures to secure its future under Pitino, as they look to reinstate their presence in college basketball’s elite contests.