Haven’t posted in very long time…..have serious question for BBN…..

[PatrolCat]

I have not posted but very little on this forum and have not posted at all in a very long time. I am a regular reader though, usually multiple times a day, so I see the conversations between fans. There’s no doubt there is a lot of negativity around Cal and the team right now. I certainly have not been satisfied with the results the last few years. Cal has let me down more than once. He let some championships get away earlier on no doubt as well. Some are going to get away. It’s the nature of the tournament. Some we just fumbled the ball and let it get away. Cal has always been ahead of the game, an innovator, and as of now he’s fallen behind the game. So I get the frustration. But here’s my question(s) for all that want Cal gone no matter what…..

Who do you see as being a replacement for him?? Who would have the personality to handle the job and have the ceiling Cal built for himself early on? If he can adapt to the game and return UK to the success he had it at the first half decade plus, would you still want him gone or will you be back on board?? I’m not a Cal or bust guy at all. I’m just having a hard time seeing who could replace him and have the overall success that would satisfy the fan base. Just looking for everyone’s thoughts…..

 

[UKWildcats1987]

I still like Oats and think he would win big here but don't think barnie would interview him. I guess muss but prefer a younger guy.

Barnie won't make the right hire regardless.

It also isn't realistic to expect to have someone who can make 4 final fours in a 5 year period as it is unsustainable as we have sadly seen with calipari. Maybe we can find a guy that can get to 4 over 14 seasons spread out and I'd be ok with that.

 

[know1]

This question has been asked thousands of times.

The bottom line is that Cal isn't doing any of those things well and hasn't been for awhile so keeping him isn't a solution either.

 

[RipThru]

I have not posted but very little on this forum and have not posted at all in a very long time. I am a regular reader though, usually multiple times a day, so I see the conversations between fans. There’s no doubt there is a lot of negativity around Cal and the team right now. I certainly have not been satisfied with the results the last few years. Cal has let me down more than once. He let some championships get away earlier on no doubt as well. Some are going to get away. It’s the nature of the tournament. Some we just fumbled the ball and let it get away. Cal has always been ahead of the game, an innovator, and as of now he’s fallen behind the game. So I get the frustration. But here’s my question(s) for all that want Cal gone no matter what…..

Who do you see as being a replacement for him?? Who would have the personality to handle the job and have the ceiling Cal built for himself early on? If he can adapt to the game and return UK to the success he had it at the first half decade plus, would you still want him gone or will you be back on board?? I’m not a Cal or bust guy at all. I’m just having a hard time seeing who could replace him and have the overall success that would satisfy the fan base. Just looking for everyone’s thoughts…..

No potential candidate will look at the first 5 years and think "I will have to live up to that". They will look at the last 5.

 

[UKWildcats1987]

No potential candidate will look at the first 5 years and think "I will have to live up to that". They will look at the last 5.

And they will be fired as quick as coach g if they think that will get it done at UK.

 

[RipThru]

And they will be fired as quick as coach g if they think that will get it done at UK.

You missed the point, but ok.

 

[NociHTTP]

So, spent all kinds of time here and seen all the posts asking the same thing, but just wanted to stop by and ask the same thing.

 

[PatrolCat]

I still like Oats and think he would win big here but don't think barnie would interview him. I guess muss but prefer a younger guy.

Barnie won't make the right hire regardless.

It also isn't realistic to expect to have someone who can make 4 final fours in a 5 year period as it is unsustainable as we have sadly seen with calipari. Maybe we can find a guy that can get to 4 over 14 seasons spread out and I'd be ok with that.

Nate Oats has a lot of potential. He has the personality to handle it. It seems to be one of the only names anyone can come up with. I agree I don’t think he’s a viable option right now. He’s not really set the world on fire at bama either. He’s had a 15 loss season, then 7 loss season, then 14 loss, then 6 loss and bowed out in sweet 16 as the overall number one seed last year. That up and down probably wouldn’t be sustainable here. But who knows at a place like UK he may find his stride…..

 

[bthaunert]

There is no obvious answer.

1997 - Tubby was the obvious answer as we wanted to keep the Pitino pipeline in play. Donovan wasn't quite there yet as he had gone 18-9, 17-11 and 13-17 in his 3 seasons of head coaching experience.

2007 - the 2 obvious ones were Billy Donovan and John Calipari

2009 - Cal was the obvious answer

Personally...I've been saying for a couple of years, I'd go after Musselman. Has taken the Arkansas program to places it hadn't been since the mid 90's.

 

[westerncat]

If Dennis Gates has some good seasons he may be one that could be looked at. Who ever replaces Cal No LIVE TIME CONTRACT !

 

[thedahc]

This question has been asked thousands of times.

The bottom line is that Cal isn't doing any of those things well and hasn't been for awhile so keeping him isn't a solution either.

So who's the guy?

 

[thedahc]

So, spent all kinds of time here and seen all the posts asking the same thing, but just wanted to stop by and ask the same thing.

So.......no answer?

 

[know1]

So who's the guy?

It's not Cal. That's for sure.

Frankly, there's a pretty decent list of people that could come in here and do better than he has lately with our program.

Anyone we get will be a step up.

 

[270to615]

Winning cures all so if that becomes consistent again and we're making deep tourney runs then sure, keep him around.

If he ever does leave though, I've wanted Brad Stevens for years so he would be my first call. Nate Oats would also be a homerun hire.

Tommy Lloyd, Eric Musselman, Mick Cronin, and Scott Drew would be on the initial short list too I'm sure

 

[bthaunert]

Winning cures all so if that becomes consistent again and we're making deep tourney runs then sure, keep him around.

If he ever does leave though, I've wanted Brad Stevens for years so he would be my first call. Nate Oats would also be a homerun hire.

Tommy Lloyd, Eric Musselman, Mick Cronin, and Scott Drew would be on the initial short list too I'm sure

While I think Oats could be a solid hire, I think he's far from a homerun hire. I don't think a home run hire (that we could get) exists.

 

[Cobb4uk]

I still like Oats and think he would win big here but don't think barnie would interview him. I guess muss but prefer a younger guy.

Barnie won't make the right hire regardless.

It also isn't realistic to expect to have someone who can make 4 final fours in a 5 year period as it is unsustainable as we have sadly seen with calipari. Maybe we can find a guy that can get to 4 over 14 seasons spread out and I'd be ok with that.

Don't understand all the love for Oats, he completely mishandled the situation with Miller taking a gun to the young man that killed a woman. Imagine the press if that happened at UK instead of Bama. If you check his record you might want to reconsider.

 

[270to615]

Don't understand all the love for Oats, he completely mishandled the situation with Miller taking a gun to the young man that killed a woman. Imagine the press if that happened at UK instead of Bama. If you check his record you might want to reconsider.

His record last year was 31-6

 

[Diggers_Matching_Highlighter]

I would give Bruce Pearl a 5 year contract until a slam dunk hire emerges.

 

[Benson98]

I still like Oats and think he would win big here but don't think barnie would interview him. I guess muss but prefer a younger guy.

Barnie won't make the right hire regardless.

It also isn't realistic to expect to have someone who can make 4 final fours in a 5 year period as it is unsustainable as we have sadly seen with calipari. Maybe we can find a guy that can get to 4 over 14 seasons spread out and I'd be ok with that.

Won’t make the right hire regardless? We have one of the top athletic programs in the country with great coaches all over campus. The coaches on campus do a better job than the always whining always negative fanbase. Ironically most of the whiners provide nothing to the program. Just sit on message boards and twitter in little groups and complain.

 

[UKBB4Ever]

There is no one out there better than Cal for UK.

The only thing I wish Cal was is program first instead of players first.

But he is not changing that.

And he is not leaving in the next few years.

And when he does eventually leave we will not be asked for input on his replacement.

 

[KentuckyCat420]

Jerome M’Fin Tang

 

[thedahc]

These threads always end up the same way with the same themes.

-anyone that is not filled with Cal hate realizes how shallow the potential coaching pool is
-there is no slam dunk replacement
-people will excuse anything (Oats handling of a murder that involved two of his players) if you win some games
-you appreciate that some of our fans are not the AD (seriously Pearl and Cronin)
-some will give no viable answers or answers at all and just say "Not Cal"
-it is clear that some fans are ABC fans (Anyone But Cal)
-the requirements put forth by this board for a coach are unreachable. This leads to my next point.
-posters on this board will be trying to run off whoever the new coach is probably 3 years in or less
-the more you look into it, the more clear it is that Cal is the right guy for the job

 

[saxonburgcat]

His record last year was 31-6

Flavor of the month. That kind of thinking has gotten UK in trouble before and would do it again.

 

[bbncal02]

Cal has to improve or go. If he can't do it this year with his normal crop, then I don't see him getting back on top.

Oats? I would've agreed until last year. He absolutely mishandled the Miller situation and his absolute callousness afterwards (which drew widespread criticism, not just here) is not compatible with UK sports. I think he's arrogant as well, and we really don't need another dose of that coupled with his seeming lack of character. He may be an ok coach, but remember, this is UK and the pressures will be waaaaay different than at Bama. Sure, he's done well considering there. But here he will BE the spotlight. And there will be a lot less forgiveness for performance.

Stevenson is never leaving that cushy job in Boston. Very little incentive to leave that. Less direct pressure. I mean he supposedly turned down a $70 million dollar offer from Indiana. He's not leaving; he's happy in Boston as GM.

I'd say Few but he's had some hiccups lately as well and he's also not getting any younger.

Drew at Baylor might be a good option. Mussellman would be an ok hire, but not a slam dunk.

Tough to say who should follow Cal whenever he's done.

 

[DreadLox]

 

[Ky_Bred_Cat]

Cal's ego and hubris are so inflated they are busting Rupp Arena at the seams.

I would prefer a focused firebreather who would kill to be here and to win games for UK.

That's the kind of coach I want. Personally, I am done with Cal. No, I don't have any names but he's out there.

 

[catsfanbgky]

His record last year was 31-6

And the number 1 overall seed and got bounced. Well playa if you criticize Cal for it, then do the same for Oats. He hasn't won jack shit. See what he does the next couple years and we will discuss again.

Surprised some haven't thrown out Eric Spoelstra as Cals replacement , lol.

 

[saxonburgcat]

Cal has to improve or go. If he can't do it this year with his normal crop, then I don't see him getting back on top.

Oats? I would've agreed until last year. He absolutely mishandled the Miller situation and his absolute callousness afterwards (which drew widespread criticism, not just here) is not compatible with UK sports. I think he's arrogant as well, and we really don't need another dose of that coupled with his seeming lack of character. He may be an ok coach, but remember, this is UK and the pressures will be waaaaay different than at Bama. Sure, he's done well considering there. But here he will BE the spotlight. And there will be a lot less forgiveness for performance.

Stevenson is never leaving that cushy job in Boston. Very little incentive to leave that. Less direct pressure. I mean he supposedly turned down a $70 million dollar offer from Indiana. He's not leaving; he's happy in Boston as GM.

I'd say Few but he's had some hiccups lately as well and he's also not getting any younger.

Drew at Baylor might be a good option. Mussellman would be an ok hire, but not a slam dunk.

Tough to say who should follow Cal whenever he's done.

Of the names being thrown around, I would take Drew first and foremost.

 

[TyCatPrice14]

I would give Bruce Pearl a 5 year contract until a slam dunk hire emerges.

This dude has to be hungry, tasted a final four and now at a bigger school he can get more talent and possibly win it all. I would be alright with that. I'm sure he would like to coach here.

 

[Smashcat]

I would give Bruce Pearl a 5 year contract until a slam dunk hire emerges.

lolol

 

[Dncmaxwell]

Flavor of the month. That kind of thinking has gotten UK in trouble before and would do it again.

I remember people wanted MB fired and Beard brought in immediately….

 

[MakinMusic]

Forget tue college coaches. Go to the NBA.

A great idea would be for Barnhart and company to reach out to Pat Riley and ask for his help. Riley hasn’t been involved but always speaks highly of his time at Kentucky. Let him assist with a search. He knows all of the NBA guys.

 

[UKWildcats1987]

Won’t make the right hire regardless? We have one of the top athletic programs in the country with great coaches all over campus. The coaches on campus do a better job than the always whining always negative fanbase. Ironically most of the whiners provide nothing to the program. Just sit on message boards and twitter in little groups and complain.

Great coaches all over campus eh?

So great they aren't winning sec championships or seriously competing for national titled anytime soon.

And people comparing coaching success for Oats at bama vs the players and resources he would have at UK is hilarious.

 

[tomrain]

Why not keep this momentum rolling and just promote within? Bruiser Flint or Barbee? Keep Cal's legacy going. Maybe they can bring Brad in as top assistant?

 

[bbncal02]

Forget tue college coaches. Go to the NBA.

A great idea would be for Barnhart and company to reach out to Pat Riley and ask for his help. Riley hasn’t been involved but always speaks highly of his time at Kentucky. Let him assist with a search. He knows all of the NBA guys.

Vogel would be another great option too. Has connections and an NBA title.

Be interested to see what he could do here.

 

[Blueaz]

Nate Oats has a lot of potential. He has the personality to handle it. It seems to be one of the only names anyone can come up with. I agree I don’t think he’s a viable option right now. He’s not really set the world on fire at bama either. He’s had a 15 loss season, then 7 loss season, then 14 loss, then 6 loss and bowed out in sweet 16 as the overall number one seed last year. That up and down probably wouldn’t be sustainable here. But who knows at a place like UK he may find his stride…..

Oats will never win a title with 3 or layup.... if he changes it up a little, who knows

 

[bbncal02]

Great coaches all over campus eh?

So great they aren't winning sec championships or seriously competing for national titled anytime soon.

And people comparing coaching success for Oats at bama vs the players and resources he would have at UK is hilarious.

Pressure at UK is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more than at Bama. And we saw how he handled "success" down there and what lengths he went to.

I don't think he could be trusted with the program atm.

 

[GLR5555]

The biggest problem is.....is the guy entrusted to hire whoever it may be. That, I know I don't trust.

 

[BlueSince92]

Or. Another way of putting it.

You haven't actually posted before at all.

 

[Disappointed Cat]

I have not posted but very little on this forum and have not posted at all in a very long time. I am a regular reader though, usually multiple times a day, so I see the conversations between fans. There’s no doubt there is a lot of negativity around Cal and the team right now. I certainly have not been satisfied with the results the last few years. Cal has let me down more than once. He let some championships get away earlier on no doubt as well. Some are going to get away. It’s the nature of the tournament. Some we just fumbled the ball and let it get away. Cal has always been ahead of the game, an innovator, and as of now he’s fallen behind the game. So I get the frustration. But here’s my question(s) for all that want Cal gone no matter what…..

Who do you see as being a replacement for him?? Who would have the personality to handle the job and have the ceiling Cal built for himself early on? If he can adapt to the game and return UK to the success he had it at the first half decade plus, would you still want him gone or will you be back on board?? I’m not a Cal or bust guy at all. I’m just having a hard time seeing who could replace him and have the overall success that would satisfy the fan base. Just looking for everyone’s thoughts…..

You are living in the past and celebrating ancient history. Cal measures success by draft picks and not wins or championships. He is not a coach and needs overwhelming talent to just compete with other programs. Just look at how far this program has fallen the past 8 years. No Michael Jordan is not going to walk through the door and make Cal a championship coach again.