Rick Pitino Returns to Kentucky for Football Game Against Vanderbilt

Rick Pitino's Anticipated Attendance

Rick Pitino is coming back to the Bluegrass! The former Kentucky Wildcats head coach announced his presence for Saturday’s showdown between the Cats and the Vanderbilt Commodores. The St. John’s coach even joked about assisting Mark Stoops with coaching duties.

A Complex Relationship with Kentucky

It’s no secret that Coach Pitino has had quite the journey when it comes to the Bluegrass and its top sports teams. After leading Kentucky back to glory in the 90s, he moved to the NBA and later became the Louisville Cardinals head coach, which strained his relationship with the Big Blue Nation.

Healing Old Wounds

• Over time, many of those wounds have slowly healed after Pitino left Louisville.
• Things have notably improved with Mark Pope, a Pitino-era Wildcat, becoming Kentucky's new head coach.
• Pitino has even shown support by donating to Kentucky football, underscoring his lasting affection for the school.

Fans have become excited at the prospect of Pitino returning, feeling a mix of nostalgia and hope for the future of Kentucky athletics.