Pitino says he'll retire after 2017

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Dec. 27 (UPI) -- Louisville head basketball Coach Rick Pitino said Tuesday he'll retire from coaching after his contract runs out in 2017.

Pitino, who will be 64 when his deal expires, told reporters his age is a consideration in his future plans, The (Louisville, Ky.) Courier-Journal reported.

"One thing I do because of my age is that I really don't look ahead," he said. "For years I have been preaching the precious present.

"When you're 59, you're realistic that you don't have a whole lot of years left," he added. "My contract is going to run out in 2017. I'm not coaching any more after that. I just enjoy exactly where I'm at."

Louisville Athletic Director Tom Jurich told the newspaper he'd do whatever he could to get Pitino to "change his mind."

"He's a very young guy. He's got a lot of fuel left in that tank," Jurich said.