New Mexico head men’s basketball coach Richard Pitino received a contract extension that runs through the 2027-28 season, the school announced Friday.

Under the terms of the extension, Pitino will make $1.1 million in 2023-24 and the figure will elevate to $1.25 million in the final season of the deal.

Pitino, 40, succeeded Paul Weir in March 2021 and made an impact in his second season with the Lobos. He guided New Mexico to a 22-12 record in 2022-23, with the win total serving as the Lobos’ largest since they posted a 27-7 mark in 2013-14.

“We are excited to commit to Richard Pitino to lead our men’s basketball program into the future,” said Eddie Nunez, New Mexico’s director of athletics. “Over the last two seasons, I have been impressed with his leadership on and off the court and in the community. This past season, as our program saw success on the court, it coincided with significant increases in our ticket revenue, merchandise sales, concessions and donations. The time is right to invest in this program and I believe Lobo basketball has a bright future with Coach Pitino leading the way.”

Pitino owns a 194-168 mark with Florida International (2012-13), Minnesota (2013-21) and New Mexico.

“I am extremely grateful for Eddie Nunez and President (Garnett S.) Stokes for continuing to believe in what we are building in Lobo Basketball,” Pitino said. “We have made great progress in a short amount of time and we couldn’t have done it without their support. … I am so excited for what the future holds.”

–Field Level Media