Dick Vitale is a famous American sportscaster. Apart from this career, he was also a head coach of NBA and college teams, explaining why his name has been recognized by many people.
Dick Vitale served for four decades as an ESPN college basketball broadcaster, which made him even more recognized. Many recognized him for his unique catchphrases and energetic commentary. Dick’s dedication in his career has been crucial in enabling him to accumulate his wealth. So, how wealthy is the American personality?
Dick Vitale’s Net Worth
Dick Vitale’s net worth is $20 million. The famous personality has accumulated his wealth through various ventures, including 40 years as an ESPN college broadcaster. Moreover, the broadcaster was also a head coach for NBA and college teams, contributing further to his wealth.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Dick Vitale was born as Richard John Vitale on June 9, 1939. While he is a former NBA and college teams head coach, he is mostly recognized for his many years of service as a college basketball broadcaster for ESPN.
Vitale grew up in Garfield, New Jersey. When he was in high school, he moved to East Paterson. Vitale’s parents worked hard and took two jobs to care for the family. His mother worked in a factory as a seamstress where he sewed clothes until she suffered a stroke.
Vitale graduated from East Rutherford High School in 1958 and joined Seton Hall University. He graduated with a degree in business administration in 1962. Vitale later earned a master’s degree in education from the Wiliam Paterson University.
Coaching Career
Vitale began coaching at an elementary school in Garfield, New Jersey in 1958. He later moved to coaching at the high school level when he became the head coach of Garfield High School for one season. He was also a coach at the East Rutherford High School where he set a record of 131-47 from 1964 to 1971, leading the teams to two state championships.
In 1971, Vitale began coaching as an assistant coach at Rutgers University. On March 31, 1973, he was named the head coach of the University of Detroit. During his time with the Titans, he set a record and led the team to winning a streak during the 1977 season. The 1977 season resulted in Vitale being named the University’s athletic director.
In 1978, Vitale left the Titans to become the head coach for the Detroit Pistons. The coach signed a three-year contract with a $100,000 annual salary and a new Cadillac. The team struggled during the 1978 season finishing at a 30-52 record. Vitale was hospitalized due to stress and stomach issues. Vitale was fired in 1978 and was replaced with assistant coach Richie Adubato.
Broadcasting
After Vitale departed as the Detroit Pistons coach, he was given an opportunity at ESPN cable network. Vitale refused the offer at first citing he knew nothing about TV, but his wife encouraged him to go live and have fun. Vitale accepted the offer temporarily until he found another coaching opportunity. Despite doubting his abilities to broadcast, he went on to do the job for four decades.
