Report: Tubby Smith close to landing job at Big South school

Tubby Smith coached the Kentucky Wildcats to the 1998 national championship, but the years since then have been less fruitful for the longtime coach.

Having recently been let go by Memphis (who then hired Penny Hardaway to replace him), Smith was back on the job market, and it seems he may be taking a big step down.

According to ESPN’s Jeff Goodman, Smith is talking to High Point, his alma mater, about their head coaching position:

Tubby Smith on the verge of taking job at his alma mater, High Point, sources told ESPN. Will head to High Point Monday to finish the negotiations.

— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanESPN) March 25, 2018

The Panthers currently compete in the Big South Conference, but have never made the NCAA Tournament since joining the conference back in 1999. However, they have made the NIT twice, losing in the first round both times.

Smith obviously has close personal ties to High Point, but this still seems like a big step backwards for the title-winning coach.