Richard Pitino is moving out of his office as the University of Minnesota has fired the now former head coach of the Golden Gophers men's basketball program.

University of Minnesota Athletics Director Mark Coyle made the official announcement that the school had parted ways with Pitino on Monday evening.

The 38 year old coach had been at Minnesota since the 2013-14 season. Prior to that, the son if Iona head coach Rick Pitino was at the helm of FIU for one season. The Gophers only finished above seventh place in the Big Ten once under Pitino, finishing fourth during the 2016-17 season.

Statement from Mark Coyle

"I recently met with Richard and told him that we were moving in a different direction. Richard is a tremendous person and coach, and I want to thank him, Jill and their family for their commitment to Minnesota. We wish them well in their next endeavor.

"Decisions like this are never easy, but after evaluating this season and the previous eight years of our program under Richard, it is clear to me that new leadership is needed. We have one of the best practice facilities in the nation, a historic competition venue and a state that produces top-caliber talent. This is an extremely attractive job, and we will immediately start a nationwide search for our next head coach."