One of the most prestigious jobs in the NBA is now open as the New York Knicks have parted ways with Tom Thibodeau after they were eliminated in the Eastern Conference Finals, and several premier college coaches find their names coming up in coaching rumors.

UConn coach Dan Hurley, who turned down the Los Angeles Lakers job last offseason, and Rick Pitino, who previously coached the Knicks from 1987-89 and currently coaches at Madison Square Garden as the coach of St. John's, have been the most prominent names to be associated with the search.

However, at least one of them doesn't appear to have much interest. During an appearance in the broadcast booth for a New York Yankees game, Pitino was asked directly if he wanted the job, and he didn't mince words.

"Absolutely not," Pitino replied.

Pitino certainly seemed like a long shot for the job given his age (72). However, the two-time national champion has proven he still has the juice, quickly rebuilding St. John's into a Big East power. He also brings five seasons of NBA experience to the table as he also coached the Boston Celtics, though he hasn't coached in the NBA ranks in any capacity since 2001.

While other college coaches could reportedly be in the mix for the New York job, it appears Pitino is content to retire in Queens with the Red Storm.

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This article originally appeared on College Sports Wire: Rick Pitino vehemently denies interest in open New York Knicks job

Reporting by Tyler Nettuno, College Sports Wire / College Sports Wire

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