Most Kentucky basketball fans will say that Rick Pitino is one of the greatest coaches in Wildcats history. He is a beloved figure in Lexington, despite not having been around since the mid 1990’s.
Now, however, he is returning to Lexington, though not for basketball. Pitino will be at Kroger Field, attending Kentucky football’s Homecoming game on Saturday against the Vanderbilt Commodores. This was confirmed by Adam Zagoria on the social platform X.
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Pitino’s relationship with Kentucky hasn’t always been the best. He spent several years coaching the Louisville Cardinals, Kentucky’s biggest rival. It was contentious during those years, but he was quickly forgiven once he left Louisville.
Earlier this year, Pitino said he had donated to Kentucky football’s NIL funds, and was one of the biggest supporters of the Mark Pope hire. Wildcats fans will always have a soft spot for their former coach, and it will be fun to have him on the sideline on Saturday.