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Report: Former longtime Kentucky staffer Kenny Payne will not take DePaul job
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Longtime Kentucky assistant Kenny Payne will not be returning to college basketball, according to a report.
Payne reportedly received strong consideration for the DePaul coaching vacancy, but has decided to remain on the New York Knicks’ coaching staff.
That’s according to SNY insider Ian Begley:
Despite strong interest from DePaul, Kenny Payne will remain with the New York Knicks, per SNY sources.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) March 27, 2021
This is Payne’s first season with the New York Knicks after a long stint with Kentucky. He was on John Calipari’s staff as an assistant or associate head coach from 2010-20.
According to Lawrence Kreymer of the DePaulia, Payne met with university officials last night about the vacancy.
BREAKING: DePaul President Esteban, chief of staff Steve Stout and AD DeWayne Peevy met with Kenny Payne in Milwaukee last night. DePaul is looking to hire Payne as its men’s basketball head coach, but are working out logistics with the Knicks, a source confirmed to @TheDePaulia
— Lawrence Kreymer (@kreyme8) March 27, 2021
Instead, Payne will remain in the NBA with New York. The Knicks are having arguably their best season in years under first-year coach Tom Thibodeau. They currently sit at 23-22 and have the No. 5 seed in the eastern conference.
Payne’s only other coaching experience was as an assistant on Oregon’s staff from 2004-09.
DePaul is looking for a new coach after parting ways with Dave Leitao after six seasons earlier this week.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
