Cal's Replacement

[mhroe1984]

Someone called in to KSR yesterday and suggested that Richard Pitino or Travis Ford replace Cal when he decides to call it quits. I get it that people love Ford because he played here, but the guy is an average coach at best who's never taken a team beyond the 2nd round of the Tournament. He's nowhere near the caliber of coach UK would need, especially to replace a legend like Cal whenever that day comes.

The Richard Pitino suggestion was laughable. His argument was that "Richard won an NIT title." Any UK fan who would want Pitino Jr. to coach here should just turn-in their BBN card right now. It's just baffling some of the coaches that people suggest to replace Calipari, but Richard Pitino is the absolute worst of the worst.

 

[Random UK Fan]

 

[WeWant9]

Was the caller Rick Pitino?

 

[FrankUnderwood]

Wow. Whoever that was is an absolute idiot.

 

[Cowtown Cat]

Miller.

 

[villefan76]

Travis Ford would be worse than Gillespie!

 

[StubbornPenny]

Archie Miller is the only sane choice right now. I hope we don't have to make it any time soon.

 

[JamesLee]

Sean Miller would get my vote as of today

 

[Macys Socks]

Sean Miller would get my vote as of today

He will need a title under his belt first but I agree.

 

[akaukswoosh]

Someone called in to KSR yesterday and suggested that Richard Pitino or Travis Ford replace Cal

Why doesn't that surprise me?

 

[kevcat]

I think the Florida coach could end up being a candidate down the road.

 

[WildcatfaninOhio]

He will need a title under his belt first but I agree.

In the history of UK coaches, how many have had a title under their belt before they were hired?

 

[MbergCat]

Might as well throw in Saul Smith and Tom Crean too. Geez.

 

[SeussReturns]

We would be in a dark place if that is who followed Cal.

 

[BoulderCat_rivals187983]

I have always understood from what I heard that Ford was something of a, well I'm a polite man so I won't say. IMO neither of those men have any chance at all of ever being UK's coach. I believe a sports writer in Lexington once wrote that he didn't envy the guy who followed Rupp, but rather the guy who followed him. Joe B delivered 3 F4's, a runner-up, and a title. He carried and passed the ball on, but I think that sentiment definitely applies to whoever follow's Cal. I don't envy the challenge he will face.

 

[Catsgloves1]

He will need a title under his belt first but I agree.

We took Cal without a title. Miller has shown he can recruit. What's the difference? Stevens would be nice, too.

 

[catdance]

 

[UKUGA]

I thought this was going to be a thread about his hip.

 

[Macys Socks]

We took Cal without a title. Miller has shown he can recruit. What's the difference? Stevens would be nice, too.

Pretty sure Cal got to a title game with lesser talent. Yes, if Brad ever came back down to the college game, he would be a great option.

In the history of UK coaches, how many have had a title under their belt before they were hired?

Zero. It's just my personal opinion since he has a legitimate history of falling short long before the FF. Speaking of history, both Pitino and Cal made FF's with weaker rosters.

 

[TheBigBlueSpectacle]

I think the Florida coach could end up being a candidate down the road.

He's a bit on my radar as well for later. Think he's got some great potential

 

[Poetax]

Archie Miller is the only sane choice right now. I hope we don't have to make it any time soon.

We will get to see how Archie does and if he can continue his success at another school.

 

[KyFaninNC]

He will need a title under his belt first but I agree.

Why? Cal didn't have a title and he has worked well.

 

[StubbornPenny]

We will get to see how Archie does and if he can continue his success at another school.

I meant Sean haha... Brain no work today

 

[mhroe1984]

I always thought that a worthy candidate for this job had to at least have a Final Four on his record. I still think Billy Donovan will be the guy that replaces Cal.

 

[LadyCaytIL]

First and foremost you go after a list of really good coaches ...and try many times even when they say no.... Remember it took Newton trying several times for guys like Olsen , Pitino and one other guy I cant remember the name but after several tries... eventually Pitino agreed and saved our program.

Top Tier

Billy Donovan
Brad Stevens
Sean Miller
Frank Vogel

2nd tier- this group is in no particular order

Mike White (family ties would get us in good with NCAA again)
Archie Miller (if he shows that he has the chops at IU)
Luke Walton (Lakers are in such a mess and its not Luke's fault)
Scott Brooks
Mark Few

3rd tier- in no particular order

Dana Altman
Chris Mack
Greg Marshall
Andy Enfield
Tony Bennett

 

[mhroe1984]

Maybe I'm in the minority here, but Archie Miller is completely out of the question for me. I couldn't fathom UK hiring a guy who coached at Indiana.

 

[Kybluedude]

Don't sleep on Scott Padgett. He is proving to be pretty good and will have built his best team this year after inheriting zip

 

[BBNinSCar]

I believe Archie will have more success than Sean

 

[LadyCaytIL]

Maybe I'm in the minority here, but Archie Miller is completely out of the question for me. I couldn't fathom UK hiring a guy who coached at Indiana.

Its indiana ... not ISIS lol.... I hate IU too which is why I'd rather grab Miller if he's showing signs of being a great coach ... I dont want IU being great again

 

[Col. Angus]

Sean Miller. Experience at an elite major, best recruiter not named Calipari, Krjandnaski, or Self, has connections to both the west coast and Midwest, deep NCAAT experience.

If Archie Miller does well at IU, that's a place you have for a career and don't leave for another high profile job unless it's the NBA, especially one you have no connections with.

 

[FrankUnderwood]

He will need a title under his belt first but I agree.

Cal didn't have a title before he got here ...

 

[fs-ripcord65]

When Calipari leaves, I would be in favor of the U.K. Administration making an over-the-top offer to Brad Stevens. If we can't get Stevens, my interest in "who's next" would fall off fairly precipitously. IMHO, there's Brad Stevens, and then there's everybody else, with very little qualitative distinction among several of "the rest."

 

[morgousky]

I think the Florida coach could end up being a candidate down the road.

Completely agree. I see something in that guy that screams a future great. He can coach, he's disciplined, and he's really well liked. He also seems motivated so I don't think for a second he's turn it down. White is one of the guys I'm keeping a close eye on.

It's going to come down to recruiting. If he can recruit, I think he can be great.

 

[morgousky]

Don't sleep on Scott Padgett. He is proving to be pretty good and will have built his best team this year after inheriting zip

Padgett being Kentucky material and getting hired would be the most incredible day, hope it happens.

 

[morgousky]

I always thought that a worthy candidate for this job had to at least have a Final Four on his record. I still think Billy Donovan will be the guy that replaces Cal.

It really could happen especially if the timing is right. Would take it in a heartbeat.

 

[morgousky]

Pretty sure Cal got to a title game with lesser talent. Yes, if Brad ever came back down to the college game, he would be a great option.



Zero. It's just my personal opinion since he has a legitimate history of falling short long before the FF. Speaking of history, both Pitino and Cal made FF's with weaker rosters.

Once you get into the final four, anything can happen. Kentucky is a program that can elevate a coach past his current heights. Look at Tubby Before and after UK.

He can recruit at Cals level and has coached into 3/4 elite rights. You definitely give him a shot of you can.

 

[Rupp'sRunt]

Was the caller Rick Pitino?

100% chance it was. Can't believe they didn't suggest John Pelphrey or Tony Delk.

 

[EclipsingYou]

Sean Miller or a younger NBA coach that wants to return to college. Like a Brad Stevens or Billy Donovan type. If none are willing? I'd go with Avery Johnson after Sean Miller out of all college coaches. Nova's coach is just so old... I REALLY hoped Kenny Payne would start climbing the tree when he left!

 

[thepip]

Don't sleep on Scott Padgett. He is proving to be pretty good and will have built his best team this year after inheriting zip

The first thing I would do is get rid of zipp

 

[rabidcatfan]

Awful...just awful.

Right now, the only guys who will probably be considered are Sean Miller and maybe Billy Donovan (again).