Pitino leaves Greek team, wants NBA return

After 18 years away from the NBA, it appears Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino wants back in.

Pitino is dedicating himself to finding a job, whether it's in coaching, player personnel, or an advisory role, he told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

The 66-year-old previously stated he would be highly interested in joining a youthful NBA team.

Pitino added that he turned down an offer to return as president and coach of Panathinaikos, whom he led to a Greek Basket League championship this past season. The ex-Louisville bench boss took to social media Friday to thank his players and staff.

Pitino was fired from Lousiville in 2017 after an FBI probe found evidence of payments to former recruit Brian Bowen's family. He posted a 416-143 record across 16 seasons as Cardinals head coach, leading the school to a national championship in 2013 - which has since been vacated by the NCAA.

He had a forgettable four-year tenure at the Boston Celtics' helm that came on the heels of a solid eight-year run with Kentucky, which included a national title in 1996.