John Calipari, star-studded group headline odds to coach Kentucky in 2023-24 season

The job title of head coach at Kentucky holds a special place in the history of college basketball, it is a true dream job for many in the profession. For 13 years now, that title has been held by Hall of Famer John Calipari, but growing angst within the fanbase has some looking toward the future.

After another up-and-down season for Kentucky, John Calipari’s Wildcats bowed out of the NCAA Tournament in the Second Round against Kansas State. Since 2019, Kentucky has just one win in the big dance and no SEC Tournament titles.

Through the middle of the conference schedule, the fanbase turned on its headman, with some publicly calling for him to take another job this offseason. A few good results calmed the fire temporarily at the end of the regular season, but a loss to Vanderbilt in the SEC Tournament and quick NCC Tournament exit left the fanbase with a sour taste.

Calipari does bring the No. 1 2023 recruiting class into the fold and could use the potential of four incoming five-star freshman to build excitement for 2023-24, but fans remain on edge with questions about more than his offseason successes.

Vegas odds for 2023-24 Kentucky basketball coach

Billy Donovan +950

Eric Musselman +950

Nate Oats +1100

Scott Drew +1200

Mick Cronin +1500

Jay Wright +2000

Brad Stevens +2000

John Calipari -900

Odds courtesy of Bovada

Breaking down the potential candidates

John Calipari (-900) remains the betting favorite for the reasons mentioned above, and of course because of his long-standing relationship with the program. However, if Kentucky pulled the trigger on a change – or Calipari chose to leave – there are several interesting options available.

One of the primary criticisms of Kentucky in recent years has been the lack of offensive firepower, particularly from the outside. Coaches like Billy Donovan (+950) and Brad Stevens (+2000) could bring the NBA’s perimeter-focused approach, or perhaps college basketball’s 3-point enthusiast Nate Oats (+1100).

Eric Musselman (+950) has shied away from the analytics but brings an incredible track record with recruits. His recent NCAA Tournament success is also attractive, as he attempts to make a third consecutive Elite 8 appearance with Arkansas this week.

Mick Cronin (+1500) was not the popular pick when the UCLA job opened up – in fact, that honor was bestowed on John Calipari – but his success since taking over is undeniable. His defense-first approach is unique, but has worked well on the West Coast after his successful stint at Cincinnati.

Scott Drew (+1200) and Jay Wright (+2000) both bring Hall of Fame pedigree while drastically changing the focus of the program. The two have been known for their ability to build a program around veteran contributors who continue their development well into the later years of eligibility. Obviously, a school like Kentucky will always draw in five-star talent, but how many of those players would remain a focus of either coach would become a discussion.