Iona head coach Rick Pitino is in negotiations with the school for a lifetime contract, sources told Zagsblog's Adam Zagoria.

Pitino has the Gaels off to a sizzling 18-3 start, including a perfect 10-0 mark in MAAC play. The 69-year-old guided Iona to a conference tournament title last season, earning the school an automatic berth to the Big Dance.

Pitino captured his 800th career victory last Sunday. He ranks 11th on the NCAA's all-time list for Division I wins.

The Hall of Famer is the only head coach to lead three different schools to the Final Four.

Pitino is a two-time national champion, though the NCAA vacated his most recent title at Louisville due to violations.