Pitino's Son Leaves Florida Program To Be Louisville 'Coach In Waiting'

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) - Florida's Billy Donovan says assistant Richard Pitino is leaving to become the head coach in waiting at Louisville.

Donovan says Pitino, son of Louisville's Rick Pitino, will be named associate head coach for the Cardinals.

Rick Pitino declined comment on his son's status.

Richard Pitino spent two years as an assistant under his father (2007-09). The elder Pitino has an opening after assistant Steve Masiello agreed to become head coach at Manhattan earlier this week.

Donovan says to "be the associate head coach and possibly the head coach at Louisville, is an incredible opportunity'' for Richard Pitino.

Donovan says assistant Rob Lanier is also leaving and could "possibly be coach in waiting at Texas.'' Longhorn officials say Lanier has only been offered an assistant position.