Gopher Basketball: Timeline leading up to Pitino hire

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

The past nine days have been hell for those (including us) covering the head coaching search as we sifted through baseless reports and ghost sources while the University of Minnesota remained tight-lipped about the search.

Monday, March 25 – Tubby Smith is fired as the head coach of the Gophers after losing to the Florida Gators in the third round of the NCAA Tournament the night before.

Tuesday, March 26 – Rumors flying around on social media suggest that VCU coach Shaka Smart is about to sign with the Gophers. A few people “in-the-know” had the balls to back-up these claims.

Wednesday, March 27 – Shaka Smart signs an extension with VCU and appeared to never have much interest in leaving the Rams. The fools who started the rumors about Smart decide to move on to other rumors.

Thursday, March 28 – Iowa State head coach Fred Hoiberg signs a 10-year extension with the Cyclones, effectively eliminating him off the Gophers short-list and ruining the hopes of Gopher fans who wanted “The Mayor” in Dinkytown, not Ames.

Saturday, March 30 – Former Timberwolves head coach and Gopher alum Flip Saunders turns down the Gophers, possibly over the terms of a contract.

Sunday, March 31 – News broke that Texas Tech is interested in former Gophers coach Tubby Smith. The Red Raiders officially signed Tubby on Monday, April 1.

Monday, April 1 – Andy Enfield, a Gopher coaching target, is snagged by USC after Enfield was eliminated from the Sweet 16.

Tuesday, April 2 – Eight days after Smith was fired and it seemed like fans were started to get tired about Minnesota’s head coaching search. Perhaps a break for just one day…

Wednesday, April 3 – CBS Sports breaks the news that the Gophers have a verbal agreement in place with Florida International head coach Richard Pitino, the son of Rick Pitino.

Friday, April 5 – Pitino is scheduled to be introduced to the media at the University of Minnesota.

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