Cal’s Replacement

Jkwo_rivals113955

All-American
Apr 6, 2007
28,225
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In the last 15 or so years the landscape of college sports has made me realize something about the old school powerhouses. It doesn't matter anymore. When being on tv was a still a sought after commodity the old traditional powers had sway. Everybody is on tv or espn3 every single game now. Who the coach is matters deeply. BCG proved that. Matt Doughtery proved that. Mike Davis, Tom Crean, Archie Miller provided that. I could name the coaches at Bama, USC, and Notre Dame in football this decade not named Saban, Carroll, or Kelly and those programs have been average at best. So if you can get Billy D or someone else of that caliber you take them regardless of anything else. You take a Bruce Pearl regardless. If for some reason you can't a really big fish, you give it to KP before you go to the Mike White level of coach. His connections run as deep or deeper than any in the sport and that plays big time.
Fans of elite programs don't want to hear it, but it's true.

The number 1 benefit to having a legendary program is being able to attract legendary coaches.

If that doesn't happen, all you have is potential. Especially in the current era.
 

dave5164

All-Conference
Apr 6, 2009
4,119
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I believe that Coach Cal has made his decision that he wants to finish at Kentucky if it is 8, 10, or more years of coaching. That is why he continues each time to shut down any of the NBA talk. Cal knows the difference in coaching the NBA Men vs. the College Boys and that is why he enjoys the College level. We have so many College coaches go to the NBA and then return to College Ball because of the difference between the two. There has been 2 coaches that has done really well going from College ball to NBA and that is Brad Stevens at Boston and Billy Donovan is doing good at Oklahoma City. I just don't understand why after another outstanding job by Coach Cal this year we once again have to start this thread on who would be a good replacement for Cal. As the legendary former Head Coach Joe B. Hall said that Coach Cal was BORN to coach at Kentucky and has done an outstanding job here at UK. I hope Cal is here for 10 or more years coaching at UK.
 
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HagginHall1999

Heisman
Oct 19, 2018
16,040
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There have been rumors about Donovan being fired from OKC for 2 years now.... rumors like that usually happen when some are not happy with the coach.

And he will be hired a day later in NBA. Also, Cal isn't going anywhere in 2 years- highly doubt it.
 

HagginHall1999

Heisman
Oct 19, 2018
16,040
28,507
113
Fans of elite programs don't want to hear it, but it's true.

The number 1 benefit to having a legendary program is being able to attract legendary coaches.

If that doesn't happen, all you have is potential. Especially in the current era.

Right that is why some of our fan base shouldn't be so arrogant.

We've had to very significant title droughts here. Rupp's end to Hall in 1978 and then to Pitino in '96.

We were in mass jeopardy when Cal got here...were at 10 years and coming off BCG.

We've remained relevant not because of the name on our jersey, that is just our history....but because we have had a couple of tremendous hires over the past 30 years that have saved us.
 

Hoptowntiger78

Freshman
Mar 2, 2020
73
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They were talking hypothetical Calipari replacements on KSR today. They said Mitch doesn’t have a number one option right now but at this moment would you take Beard, Pearl or Donovan?

Just an interesting conversation, don’t think Cal is leaving. Let’s get number 9

Who is Beard? Thanks.
 

bthaunert

Heisman
Apr 4, 2007
29,518
21,619
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Serious question for all you throwing out Donovan, Pearl, etc. How long do you think Cal is going to be here?

I mean seriously, at this point do you not see him retiring from here in 8-10 years?

These guys are all similar age....Pearl is 60, not 45 and has baggage, Donovan is in NBA, has 2 NCAA titles and is 55. Stevens, maybe but he is with the freaking Celtics and is super highly thought of...I guess he is the only possibility I see if you threw the world at him.

Names to think of in seriousness:

1. Kenny Payne
- disagree if you want but he is sticking around for a reason, he is 53 and his been with Cal since Day 1 at UK.

2. Chris Holtman
- Lexington ties, late 40's, has some work to do for consideration

3. Mark Pope
- UK grad, title winner, mid/late 40's, up and comer

4. Chris Beard
- proven winner and is in mid/late 40's, but was he a one shot wonder?

5. John Brannen
- moving up ranks, highly thought of, at UC now and is in mid 40's, already coached at NKU and is from NKy.

6. Joel Justus
- he is late 30's and is Cals golden boy, if 10 years go by he will have been with Cal for 15+ years.

The list is small. Cal is boarding on uncharted territory since Rupp at UK in terms of tenure. If he puts in 18-20 years here and is tied to the program like I suspect it isn't getting flipped to someone on a whim. It will be publicly announced that it is his last season and it is going to KP IMO. Cal has a lot of power here...I am not sure people are considering that.
The question on KSR and I think the question by the OP is a hypothetical if it happened at the end of this season.

As for KP, I would be much more comfortable if he left and found success somewhere else first. There is a huge difference between being a member of the staff and leading the staff. It’s not that long ago when I can remember people saying that Orlando Antigua should follow Cal. His first head job was a disaster.

I think Cal is around for 5-7 more years and there will be names then we aren’t talking about now.
 
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acatnamedmyra

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Mar 28, 2007
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They were talking hypothetical Calipari replacements on KSR today. They said Mitch doesn’t have a number one option right now but at this moment would you take Beard, Pearl or Donovan?

Just an interesting conversation, don’t think Cal is leaving. Let’s get number 9
I’ll answer you if you tell us who you’re trolling for.
 

Orionorl

Senior
Apr 2, 2006
908
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If Kenny stays until Cal leaves, he deserves the shot at the helm of the basketball program.
True this. But let's not forget what we did to Leonard Hamilton. KY is a place to get your throat cut. it's the big business of college ball.
 

JohnnyRose

Redshirt
Feb 27, 2020
51
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Why don't you delete it? It's a cry for attention. No one cares about you. Stop trying to raise a fuss.
'Look at me!!! Look at me!!!"
Just calling him out for being super negative. Ironic that you’re commenting trying to get attention...
 

Elliott Tim

All-American
Dec 10, 2005
10,122
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but it’s really not. It’s an over redundant topic that’s beaten to death and it’s March madness.

No one coach is above criticism, not even Cal, but why the f*** does anyone want to think about him leaving
because the right bait gets bites.
 

Elliott Tim

All-American
Dec 10, 2005
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Well, Walter McCarty is out, and Rick Barnes has removed his name from consideration. So, I guess we’ll just keep Cal.

Switching gears, when Sutton left, I wanted Pat Riley. When Pitino left, I wanted Pat Riley, when Tubby left, I wanted Pat Riley. When CBCG left, we got Cal, and I forgot about Riley.
If Cal were to decide after this season to leave, and I don’t think he will (I certainly don’t want him too), I’d take Pat Riley. While I’m at it, hire Phil Jackson as an assistant. Find spots for Chuck Daley, and Popavich on the staff. Hire Mark Cuban to do ride alongs on recruiting visits.
Isn't Chuck dead
 

rabidcatfan

Senior
Jan 25, 2003
9,198
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Tony Bennett = hell no

Unfortunately, it ain't up to you or me. It's up to Mitch, and Bennett is 50 yo, hes won 74% of his games at UVa which is in one of the toughest basketball conferences in the country, has won the same amount of national championships as Cal, Self, and Izzo, has won at two schools traditionally known as doormats in their conferences, and has a squeaky clean record and image which Mitch values above all else. Not to mention he was voted Naismith coach of the year in 2 different decades, was ACC coy 4 times, has a 16-8 record in the NCAA-T, has won 30+ games 4 times, and has won at least 26 games a year in 7 of his previous 13 season; all coached in power conferences. Please tell me you dont value points over wins, because Cals teams haven't always been a high scoring bunch. Tbh, after writing that, I'd say he moves to the top of the list.
 
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BBUK_anon

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May 26, 2005
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All keep feeding these dasturbs...sickening. But, I blame the mods.... Every week this thread is posted... it never misses...
 
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JohnnyRose

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Feb 27, 2020
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All keep feeding these dasturbs...sickening. But, I blame the mods.... Every week this thread is posted... it never misses...
Cause it’s a topic of interest for a lot of fans. But you snobs on this board talk down to everyone, you all are sickening imo.
 

cat_in_the_hat

All-Conference
Jan 28, 2004
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So over the past few years the top of Barnhart's list at times were Mike White, Shaka Smart, Greg Marshall etc.............

GOD DONT LET THAT MAN MAKE THE DECISION. If it wasnt for Pratt and Nike pushing for Cal..... we'd of been in for a big hurting like another BCG just without the booze...

You call Donovan , Stevens, Vogul......... you offer 8 million a year... then call back and offer 9... then if still no you offer 10 million ... if that fails, you call Nike and see who they'd want at UK since then you know they'd help out whoever they pushed for the job

It would be hilarious if Mack made a final four....... and we hired Mack from UL with them facing even more sanctions...
Except, according to Pratt himself, that's not what happened.
 

KRJ1975

Heisman
Mar 3, 2015
7,692
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The Celtics have a fantastic young team and one of the best fanbases in pro sports. Brad Stevens ain't leaving that gig.
 
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UKWildcatT

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Apr 9, 2009
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So dramatic.

a group of our kids friends were at Chuys in Louisville last night celebrating one of their birthdays. A group of us dads, five UK fans, were sitting separate from them, laughing at your post. We literally talk basketball, not just UK, all the time and never discuss who Cal’s replacement is. It’s March, there’s tons of basketball, Kentucky is rolling...you register on Thursday and your first thread topic is “who will be Cal’s replacement?” when we know he’ll be here for years and the answers only end up being who is the hottest coach TODAY, not 8 years from now when Cal is gone and the landscape is totally different.

yeah, so dramatic. You gonna start this tired topic next week as well?
 
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Poetax

Heisman
Apr 4, 2002
29,410
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True this. But let's not forget what we did to Leonard Hamilton. KY is a place to get your throat cut. it's the big business of college ball.




A different time and as we saw it took Hamilton a few years to get his feet under him. He looks to be a good coach now. I just think from all we hear from recruits KP could be a great choice.
 
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JohnnyRose

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Feb 27, 2020
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a group of our kids friends were at Chuys in Louisville last night celebrating one of their birthdays. A group of us dads, five UK fans, were sitting separate from them, laughing at your post. We literally talk basketball, not just UK, all the time and never discuss who Cal’s replacement is. It’s March, there’s tons of basketball, Kentucky is rolling...you register on Thursday and your first thread topic is “who will be Cal’s replacement?” when we know he’ll be here for years and the answers only end up being who is the hottest coach TODAY, not 8 years from now when Cal is gone and the landscape is totally different.

yeah, so dramatic. You gonna start this tired topic next week as well?
If it’s making you this wound up, then yes I probably will. You are officially my mortal enemy
 

Poetax

Heisman
Apr 4, 2002
29,410
20,887
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The good side to this is the next UK Coach might not even be on our radar when the time too hire a new one is here.
 
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cat_in_the_hat

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I don't care if we discuss who would be on our list to replace Cal or not. People should discuss whatever topic that interests them. That being said, it's a weak reason for not discussing who might replace him, by saying he will be here for 8 more years. There are no guarantees in life. He could have health issues that change that time span. He could get burned out before then. UK could change administrations to someone he doesn't want to work for. Any number of things could happen that could potentially change the amount time he coaches here. Just because we think he will be around that long doesn't mean things won't happen that could dramatically change that. A good leader will always be thinking of succession planning because you never know what is going to happen in the future.
 
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UKGrad93

Heisman
Jun 20, 2007
17,437
22,789
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Whoever the next coach is, he will be a big risk. We will probably have to hire someone that is somewhat unproven.

The NO list is long
K, Cal, Izzo, Roy, Brad Stevens, Billy D, Pitino (jr & Sr), Boeheim, Steve Alford, Bill Self, Mark Few, Clappy, Rick Barnes

Would probably do it, not sure that fans would want them:
Pearl, Greg Marshal, Tony Bennett,

That leaves Jay Wright (seems embedded at Nova), a bunch of nobodies.

We better work on clonning Cal.
 

UKWildcatT

All-American
Apr 9, 2009
75,546
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I don't care if we discuss who would be on our list to replace Cal or not. People should discuss whatever topic that interests them. That being said, it's a weak reason for not discussing who might replace him, by saying he will be here for 8 more years. There are no guarantees in life. He could have health issues that change that time span. He could get burned out before then. UK could change administrations to someone he doesn't want to work for. Any number of things could happen that could potentially change the amount time he coaches here. Just because we think he will be around that long doesn't mean things won't happen that could dramatically change that. A good leader will always be thinking of succession planning because you never know what is going to happen in the future.

brad Stevens
Billy Donovan
(Insert hot mid major coach That has a good season/NCAA run...Chris Beard is the current one)

There. I just answered the thread. Can we pin this reply?
 
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*Fox2Monk*

Heisman
Jun 10, 2009
45,213
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So over the past few years the top of Barnhart's list at times were Mike White, Shaka Smart, Greg Marshall etc.............

GOD DONT LET THAT MAN MAKE THE DECISION. If it wasnt for Pratt and Nike pushing for Cal..... we'd of been in for a big hurting like another BCG just without the booze...

You call Donovan , Stevens, Vogul......... you offer 8 million a year... then call back and offer 9... then if still no you offer 10 million ... if that fails, you call Nike and see who they'd want at UK since then you know they'd help out whoever they pushed for the job

It would be hilarious if Mack made a final four....... and we hired Mack from UL with them facing even more sanctions...

If that don’t work call Jay Wright and offer him 11 million for 10 years. Proven coaches in big leagues who are successful.
 
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*Fox2Monk*

Heisman
Jun 10, 2009
45,213
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I wouldn’t want Pearl really, but he seems like he’s been skirting the rules because he has to at the schools he’s been at.
If he was at UK he may pull the Cal take a couple questionable early players and then be clean after he starts building a great team. He is far from the worst we could do.
 

*Fox2Monk*

Heisman
Jun 10, 2009
45,213
81,637
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Keep an eye on Mark Pope. Sensational job with lots of limitations. Good man. Plays an entertaining style

I agree so far he looks pretty good but it’s hard to tell how he would recruit and do in a big conference. He’s a UK guy so for that I’d give him a chance if he really does well over the next ten years or so.
 

*Fox2Monk*

Heisman
Jun 10, 2009
45,213
81,637
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A huge ABSOLUTE NO to Pearl! Why would any UK fan want that cheat who also turned in info on other coaches in the past? I just don't get the Pearl love on here, just because he said a few nice things about UK after losing Saturday. The guy is slimy and there are plenty better choices around that we don't have to "settle" for someone like him. As for Stevens, I'd love to have him but feel he and the Celtics are having too much success (and they may only be getting started) to lure him back to college. Plus, he's making plenty of cash in the NBA with Boston.

Yes I think so as well but it only take one or two unhappy superstars, a couple bad seasons, or maybe just tired of personality management that may drive him back. He may have great success and then wonder if he could build a major college program and be one of the only coaches to ever do both.
 
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*Fox2Monk*

Heisman
Jun 10, 2009
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I’d definitely offer the bank to Stevens but I don’t think he’d take it. You might as well make a call to Billy to see if he’s interested afterwards. College coaches- Beard would be about my top choice right now. After that, anybody else scares me a little. Payne could be a huge success or a colossal bust; we just don’t know how he’d do as a head coach.

This is all just how I feel if they had to find a new coach after this season. My hope is that Cal sticks around a while longer and his replacement isn’t even on the radar yet.

I was really liking Beard until I watched as his team played like a bunch of pansy flopers all night against us. I hate that crap.
 
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CatfanMike47

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Oct 9, 2017
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brad Stevens
Billy Donovan
(Insert hot mid major coach That has a good season/NCAA run...Chris Beard is the current one)

There. I just answered the thread. Can we pin this reply?
Brad Stevens isn’t leaving the Celtics for us, Donovan next s coming either! The crowd thinking just cause we’re UK better think again! We may have a large fan base but, it has a large group on entitled fan’s.
 

UKWildcatT

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Apr 9, 2009
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Brad Stevens isn’t leaving the Celtics for us, Donovan next s coming either! The crowd thinking just cause we’re UK better think again! We may have a large fan base but, it has a large group on entitled fan’s.

shhh, most of us know this