Cleveland Cavaliers: 5 candidates to replace Tyronn Lue as head coach

1. Rick Pitino

• Record: 192-220 (.466)
• Last head coaching job: Boston Celtics (2000-01)

Quite possibly the most unique name on this list, the possibility of Rick Pitino returning to the NBA should not be dismissed. He recently hired big-name NFL agent Drew Rosenhaus to help him work his way back into the league following his fallout with the NCAA.

There is no doubt that Pitino can coach. Since his departure from the NBA in 2001, he coached Louisville for 16 consecutive seasons, leading them to an impressive overall record of 416-143 and an NCAA title in 2013 (the NCAA ruled that the title and 123 wins under Pitino were to be vacated due to the violations that occurred during his time at Louisville).

As he aims to make his return to the pros, Pitino is quick to remind everyone that if it’s player development you need, he’s your man. In recent years, his program at Louisville helped develop NBA prospects like Terry Rozier, Montrezl Harrell and Donovan Mitchell. While all very talented, each of these three players weren’t one-year college players. They all spent at least two seasons under the tutelage of Pitino and saw great improvement in their game.

If the Cavs feel that their top priority in the near future could become doing everything they can to maximize young guys like Collin Sexton and Cedi Osman, Cleveland might want to take out a flyer on Pitino for their head coach opening.