Kentucky coaching search: Target to replace John Calipari emerges, per report
Kentucky is reportedly closing in on a favorite target to become the next head basketball coach in Lexington.
Ahead of this year’s national title game, John Calipari sent a major shockwave through the sport with reports that he was leaving Kentucky to become the head coach at Arkansas. He has since confirmed his departure with a farewell video to Big Blue Nation, but the full announcement from Arkansas is still forthcoming.
At a blue blood program like Kentucky, the list of potential candidates to fill the vacancy is limited to proven winners, something AD Mitch Barnhart said he was targeting in the next leader of the Wildcats. A list of reported candidates included names such as current UConn head coach Dan Hurley, Alabama head coach Nate Oats, former Villanova head coach Jay Wright and former Florida head coach and current Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan.
In the brief time span since Calipari’s departure was first reported, most of the names from that group have released public statements on the matter. Oats, Wright and Hurley in particular have indicated they are not interested, but Baylor head coach Scott Drew has reportedly emerged as the favorite to fill the position.
According to Adam Zagoria with NJ.com, Drew is said to have a strong relationship with UK AD Mitch Barnhart, and he fits the bill as a proven winner. He led Baylor to the 2021 national championship and has a 446-244 record with the Bears. Zagoria also reported that Donovan is currently focused on the NBA season, likely a sign he is not in the running for the job.
Billy Donovan is focused on his current NBA season, a source with direct knowledge said.
The Bulls host the Knicks tonight and are on target to be in the Play-in Tournament next week. https://t.co/ICgZ6UHXXG
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) April 9, 2024
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At this point, it does not appear a deal is imminent, so there is still time for a twist or turn in the process. If Drew does indeed get the job, it will be interesting to see fan reaction to the move, but he should be viewed as a solid hire for the Wildcats.
He has been on everyone’s list from the beginning and has a personal relationship with Barnhart. This makes too much sense.
This is why I come to clickbait down south. The title of the article says “closing in” and the body of the article reads as though it’s probably. Then we get the last sentence where it says “At this point, it does not appear a deal is imminent, so there is still time for a twist or turn in the process.” That’s garbage journalism.
Paul Harvey needs to change his name to not besmirch the good name of the famous radio commentator who actually performed good work. If he insists on sharing a name with a well-known journalist on his level of unethical reporting, I would suggest Nick Denton. I really hope this guy is an unpaid intern. Any level of salary for this incompetence is financial malpractice on the part of the management.
Kentucky needs Dan Hurley, but Dan Hurley doesn’t need KY.
Kentucky makes coaches, coaches do not make Kentucky.
Billy Donovan is looking unlikely, but he would be a great hire in my opinion. I don’t know anything about Scott Drew, but if he is the guy, I would imagine that the UK folks have good reasons to look in his direction.
Billy Donovan didn’t like recruiting and doesn’t know anything about the portal. ALso wouldn’t bring and players with him. Drew on the other hand has built a program without any sort of brand, is a great bench coach, and gets good talent.
Unless your name is Billy Gillispie, Eddie Sutton, or Tubby Smith.
No, Tubby Smith won a national championship.
Missouri needs everything so keep your thought to yourself Booches
Cal will do better at UArk in the next four years than he did here at UK. It just seemed like a bad marriage with the UK Athletic Department and the big$ boosters went to football. He is a great person and player first coach. I just wish it could have worked here with XO savy younger BB assistant minds on the bench.The 23/24 assistants seemed like a group of slugs.