Since starting his coaching career in 1974, Rick Pitino has stood across from multiple legendary coaches. Names such as Dean Smith, Lou Carnesseca and John Calipari were on the other bench, but the St.

Rick Pitino, the head coach of the St. John’s Red Storm, has never shied away from a good soundbite, and ahead of the team’s Round of 64 game against No. 15 seed Omaha, the Hall of Famer was asked who he considers his greatest coaching rival.

Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino says UConn’s Jim Calhoun is the only coach he’s considered a true rival throughout his career.