Mick Cronin reveals he helped launch Richard Pitino’s career—and thinks the New Mexico coach “is going to be mad” about it

Mick Cronin and Richard Pitino share a long friendship but they turn foes Friday night as the UCLA Bruins will take on the New Mexico Lobos at Lee's Family Forum in Henderson, Nevada at 11 p.m. ET.

Ahead of a Bruins practice session Thursday morning, Cronin took some time out to address the media. When asked about his relationship with the Lobos' head coach, Cronin spoke about landing him his first job in 2005 when he was an assistant at the Louisville Cardinals where Richard's father, Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino was head coach.

"I got him his first job,” said Cronin. "He’s going to be mad at me for this but I got him his first job as a freshman at Providence College. I got him a job with the legendary coach in Barrington, Rhode Island, St. Andrew’s — Mike Hart, who is still coaching. A true legend of the East Coast, Northeast high school basketball.

"So, he got to start off with a legend. It was better for him than being a manager at Providence. His Dad and I talked about it so he was an assistant coach as a freshman in college."

Pitino credits New Mexico decision to Cronin

After eight seasons at the Minnesota Golden Gophers, Pitino took up the head coach job at the Lobos in 2021. Following his appointment, the 42-year-old admitted he had a conversation with Cronin, which played a role in him making his decision.

"Mick and I talk often," said Pitino per Yahoo Sports. "He's a guy for sure, when I have a question about a philosophical thing or in recruiting, I call him a lot. He's probably top three on my list of people that I pick their brain. I really like him a lot.

"He's a phenomenal coach. I mean, the sustained success that he had in Cincinnati, and now what he's doing at UCLA is amazing."

The Bruins and the Lobos have met four times before, with their head-to-head currently tied at 2-2. Both teams started the season on Nov. 4 with wins, with the Bruins recording a massive 85-50 victory over the Rider Broncos and the Lobos recording a narrow 91-84 victory over the Nicholls Colonels.

Cronin and Pitino will look to maintain their perfect start to the season tonight, although the No. 22 Bruins would be the favorite to win their second game of the season.