Its all on MITCH

[Blueaz]

He extended to the lifetime. You cant blame Cal for that.
Stoops, Cal and UK mediocrity is ALL on MB and the asshat that keeps him at UK (uk prez)
**** giving one more dime to this shitshow of constipation.

If i could cancel my lifetime alumni membership I would.

GD embarrassment.

 

[Wildcats1st]

Firing Barney is the first step in admitting there is a terrible problem.

 

[ukcatz12]

He extended to the lifetime.

No he didn't. He gave Cal a 10 year contract with an incredibly high salary. The contract sucks, but it's not a lifetime contract.

 

[richbrookstomato]

No he didn't. He gave Cal a 10 year contract with an incredibly high salary. The contract sucks, but it's not a lifetime contract.

Call it what you want, but it has made it where Cal OWNS Mitch and UK!!!!

It might as well be called a "Lifetime" because it will take that long for UK to recover from that HORRIBLE contract!!!! Mitch is the one that needs to be held accountable even MORESO than Cal!!!!

It will cost UK $33 million after this season to get rid of Cal. If not, we have 5 more years of this CRAP!!! Because after next year it will still be $25 million!!! Then after 2026 season it will cost $18 million!! Then if we go after 2027 it will be $10 million!!!

So, call whatever you call it, it's an ANCHOR around Mitch's neck and in turn UK's!!!!

RIDICULOUS!!!

 

[KYExtemper]

I've always said if we can't fire Cal because of this ridiculous contract then we can start with the person who gave it to him.

 

[drew_ukfan_rivals]

I have said for YEARS that Barnshart was a major problem. Dude has no balls to stand up to the ncaa and gives out huge money contracts like they’re candy to undeserving coaches. The dude is a complete moron. I don’t care how the volleyball team is doing, look at your money makers and make those fans happy, dipshit

 

[WalterTheHippo]

He extended to the lifetime. You cant blame Cal for that.
Stoops, Cal and UK mediocrity is ALL on MB and the asshat that keeps him at UK (uk prez)
**** giving one more dime to this shitshow of constipation.

If i could cancel my lifetime alumni membership I would.

GD embarrassment.

This sucks, and yes, I agree Mitch should NEVER have given Cal a lifetime. That being said, Cal has the amount of talent to have NO EXCUSE to keep losing against teams.. He gets out coached like 9/10 times by every other coach in the universe. He is simply using Kentucky as a training program to get kids to the NBA damn the University itself... That, in turn, is a slap in fans like OUR faces.
We constantly find our guys in wrong positions.

Well said though. Anger is damn justified!

 

[paul.ksr]

Barney is the worst AD in the SEC maybe in all of college sports

 

[hoggwildcat]

AT THE TIME, there is not an AD alive that would not have given Cal an extention. (With an average of over 30 wins a year, at 81% winning percentage, the past championship, and final 4's.) Barnhart could not see such a decline AT THAT TIME. You can criticize how long and how much, but you have to take in consideration (if true) he was staving off an attempt by UCLA to take him away. What if Cal would have left for UCLA and won at a high percentage or possibly give them another title, Barnhart would have been crucified for letting that happen. So I don't blame Barnhart, it's all on Cal. He should resign and stop stealing UK's money.

 

[mrhotdice]

AT THE TIME, there is not an AD alive that would not have given Cal an extention. (With an average of over 30 wins a year, at 81% winning percentage, the past championship, and final 4's.) Barnhart could not see such a decline AT THAT TIME. You can criticize how long and how much, but you have to take in consideration (if true) he was staving off an attempt by UCLA to take him away. What if Cal would have left for UCLA and won at a high percentage or possibly give them another title, Barnhart would have been crucified for letting that happen. So I don't blame Barnhart, it's all on Cal. He should resign and stop stealing UK's money.

Cals pushing the NBA agenda hurts the team. Dilly and Z are good examples yesterday were player management probably lost the game.. it seems when crunch time comes in a game UK has players sitting that should be playing.

 

[Beach_Cat]

AT THE TIME, there is not an AD alive that would not have given Cal an extention. (With an average of over 30 wins a year, at 81% winning percentage, the past championship, and final 4's.) Barnhart could not see such a decline AT THAT TIME. You can criticize how long and how much, but you have to take in consideration (if true) he was staving off an attempt by UCLA to take him away. What if Cal would have left for UCLA and won at a high percentage or possibly give them another title, Barnhart would have been crucified for letting that happen. So I don't blame Barnhart, it's all on Cal. He should resign and stop stealing UK's money.

Anyone with any understanding of basketball knew Cal was on the downward trend when the contract was given - this is what happens when you hire from an AD from UT and Oregon.

 

[SituationBlue]

AT THE TIME, there is not an AD alive that would not have given Cal an extention. (With an average of over 30 wins a year, at 81% winning percentage, the past championship, and final 4's.) Barnhart could not see such a decline AT THAT TIME. You can criticize how long and how much, but you have to take in consideration (if true) he was staving off an attempt by UCLA to take him away. What if Cal would have left for UCLA and won at a high percentage or possibly give them another title, Barnhart would have been crucified for letting that happen. So I don't blame Barnhart, it's all on Cal. He should resign and stop stealing UK's money.

You’re not wrong, but at the end of the day we are all judged on results. A CEO may make a big bet to improve their company but if it flops they’ll most likely be ousted, no matter how well their intentions were. I’m not saying Barnhart has been a disaster but there is no doubt he has tied the hands of this program up

 

[truebluewildcat_rivals34254]

If MB would've let Cal walk to the NBA, ya'll would have roasted him...and you know it.

When Cal got that contract, he was the most wanted coach in basketball. MB did what Newton should've done to keep Pitino. Break the bank and mortgage the future.

Imagine if Cal ended up back in CBB and won a title somewhere else, let alone a rival. MB would be gone.

MB didn't do anything that a lot of other ADs haven't done. Big "lifetime" contracts for coaches were en vogue. Kind of a status symbol.

If you didn't sign your guy up til kingdom come, then recruiting may suffer, some other program or the league will come knocking, etc...

Kind of like the big whopper max contracts in the league and NFL...so and so gets one so now all of a sudden everyone has to break the bank and risk the future.

MB is most likely nearing retirement, he's 24 years in, so I wouldn't bank on him making any big boat rocking moves. Cal and Stoops or not Cal and Stoops will be for the next guy.

 

[hoggwildcat]

Anyone with any understanding of basketball knew Cal was on the downward trend when the contract was given - this is what happens when you hire from an AD from UT and Oregon.

Your talking about a downward trend from one of the best run in history. That was unsustainable, considering college basketball changing landscape. I guess because he hadn't been to a final 4 in four years we should have let him go.

 

[Titpwhami2014]

If MB would've let Cal walk to the NBA, ya'll would have roasted him...and you know it.

When Cal got that contract, he was the most wanted coach in basketball. MB did what Newton should've done to keep Pitino. Break the bank and mortgage the future.

Imagine if Cal ended up back in CBB and won a title somewhere else, let alone a rival. MB would be gone.

MB didn't do anything that a lot of other ADs haven't done. Big "lifetime" contracts for coaches were en vogue. Kind of a status symbol.

If you didn't sign your guy up til kingdom come, then recruiting may suffer, some other program or the league will come knocking, etc...

Kind of like the big whopper max contracts in the league and NFL...so and so gets one so now all of a sudden everyone has to break the bank and risk the future.

MB is most likely nearing retirement, he's 24 years in, so I wouldn't bank on him making any big boat rocking moves. Cal and Stoops or not Cal and Stoops will be for the next guy.

Mitch gets no credit for any of this. He hired Calipari in 2009 because his job was on the line, period. It’s quite hilarious that the entire administration scoffed at hiring Cal in 2007 and then one Final 4 run later (combined with the total Gillispie disaster) they were desperate for him.

 

[Rick Honcho]

I've always said if we can't fire Cal because of this ridiculous contract then we can start with the person who gave it to him.

That would be the Board, yes?

 

[dynastydreamuk]

I don't like Mitch at all for his decisions. The contract AT THE TIME, maybe was okay, but still kind of ridiculous. I don't think Cal would have ever left for UCLA and we could have increased his salary without making it so binding and locked up so if our current situation were to happen, we weren't screwed like right now.

MITCH needs to go basically because I don't want him deciding who our next coach is. And if it's going to be Scott Drew like everybody says because him and Mitch are buddy buddy (FCA) Christian association guys... I would rather have Cal to the end of his contract than Scott Drew who has been to like 4 elite eights in 20 years at Baylor. Mitch doesn't have a good hiring record ... Joker, Billy Clyde etc ... and dumb contracts.

ALSO, that said, IF we miss the tourny this year some damn how, then yea Cal needs to be bought out and go ahead and bring in Scott Drew I guess, because at least we will make the tourny with Drew I would think, with Kentucky level Talent. ... But we need to think about how good is the BIG 12 really compared to the SEC now and how hard will that be for Scott Drew.

Picking Kentucky's new coach should be a vote by all of us Kentuckians lol, like voting for president.

I used to Love Cal, this is all so depressing. For some reason after 2020, his defense just tanked. Defense was what Cal was known for and last 4 years or so, our defensive Efficiency is like a 75 average. Contrary to what people say about modern offense passing Cal by ... he actually just can't defend against the modern offense and our Offense has been like top ten average last 5 years.

In the end, like another poster said... Father time is getting Cal and I think he is just old and doesn't have the energy to adjust in time for anything .. .in game , in week, in month, in season. How many coaches stay at their peak past 65 yrs old.

 

[CatPhight_rivals65113]

 

[Beach_Cat]

I’m t

You’re talking about a downward trend from one of the best run in history. That was unsustainable, considering college basketball changing landscape. I guess because he hadn't been to a final 4 in four years we should have let him go.

I’m talking about the play on the court and in recruiting. The signs were there in 2014 and 2015, if you did not see it you were blind. This contract should never be given and anyone involved in giving should be fired today. Yes, we should have let Cal go to UCLA. Kentucky basketball is bigger than one coach that’s what makes us different…what makes us the standard…that’s what an idiot like Mitch doesn’t get.

 

[bthaunert]

I’m t

I’m talking about the play on the court and in recruiting. The signs were there in 2014 and 2015, if you did not see it you were blind. This contract should never be given and anyone involved in giving should be fired today. Yes, we should have let Cal go to UCLA. Kentucky basketball is bigger than one coach that’s what makes us different…what makes us the standard…that’s what an idiot like Mitch doesn’t get.

What signs were there in 2014 and 2015 that the rest of us were blind to?

 

[hoggwildcat]

I’m t

I’m talking about the play on the court and in recruiting. The signs were there in 2014 and 2015, if you did not see it you were blind. This contract should never be given and anyone involved in giving should be fired today. Yes, we should have let Cal go to UCLA. Kentucky basketball is bigger than one coach that’s what makes us different…what makes us the standard…that’s what an idiot like Mitch doesn’t get.

I seen it, Cal went from 31 wins a year to 29.5 and winning percentage 81 to 79. My point is, I repeat, with those kind of numbers and success, (along other thing besides wins and losses, that Cal did for the University) was enough, and any AD in the country would have offered a contract extension. The length of it is the biggest issue.

 

[ruppcat]

He extended to the lifetime. You cant blame Cal for that.
Stoops, Cal and UK mediocrity is ALL on MB and the asshat that keeps him at UK (uk prez)
**** giving one more dime to this shitshow of constipation.

If i could cancel my lifetime alumni membership I would.

GD embarrassment.

What is it with guys named Mitch in Kentucky that seem to really screw things up??

 

[Beach_Cat]

What signs were there in 2014 and 2015 that the rest of us were blind to?

Flat out coached in final loss to UConn, goes zone for the comeback, switches back to man to lose. Pure luck to get there to begin with. Allowed small guard to beat him (this is the clear problem with Cals D has been since beginning it’s only gotten worse with todays game)

Not playing Tyler Ullis over the Harrison boys. This was a problem folks identified during the 2014/2015 season, not unique to me.

Not winning the title in 2015. Zero excuses for that one - too much talent.

Unwillingness to commit to a stretch 4 player. See Kyle Wiltjier. Later see loss to UNC in regional final when he allows Roy Williams to dictate when and how we play Derek Willis.

Not building a roster for the long but only the short run…the signs were there.

Not seeing the value in the older experienced player.

2016, 2017, and 2018 the signs were even clearer.

There are leading and lagging indicators in basketball just like anything else…you just have to pay attention.

Cal’s inability to X/O in game was actually well known when we hired (which I agreed with by the way - I wanted him when we hired Billy). However, after losing many big games - it was time to let him go when UCLA called.

 

[bthaunert]

Flat out coached in final loss to UConn, goes zone for the comeback, switches back to man to lose. Pure luck to get there to begin with. Allowed small guard to beat him (this is the clear problem with Cals D has been since beginning it’s only gotten worse with todays game)

Not playing Tyler Ullis over the Harrison boys. This was a problem folks identified during the 2014/2015 season, not unique to me.

Not winning the title in 2015. Zero excuses for that one - too much talent.

Unwillingness to commit to a stretch 4 player. See Kyle Wiltjier. Later see loss to UNC in regional final when he allows Roy Williams to dictate when and how we play Derek Willis.

Not building a roster for the long but only the short run…the signs were there.

Not seeing the value in the older experienced player.

2016, 2017, and 2018 the signs were even clearer.

There are leading and lagging indicators in basketball just like anything else…you just have to pay attention.

Cal’s inability to X/O in game was actually well known when we hired (which I agreed with by the way - I wanted him when we hired Billy). However, after losing many big games - it was time to let him go when UCLA called.

I think a lot of those are valid complaints and were/are issues that have existed from day 1. Most of those aren’t unique to 2014 and 2015, and that’s what I was questioning. It’s time for him to go, but the notion that things in 2014 and 2015 were different than 2010 - 2013 is just not true imo. Thanks for the thought out answer.

 

[UKWildcats1987]

I think a lot of those are valid complaints and were/are issues that have existed from day 1. Most of those aren’t unique to 2014 and 2015, and that’s what I was questioning. It’s time for him to go, but the notion that things in 2014 and 2015 were different than 2010 - 2013 is just not true imo. Thanks for the thought out answer.

I notice he didn't mention the WCS and Poy injuries from those years. Don't think having them would have made a difference?

 

[bthaunert]

I notice he didn't mention the WCS and Poy injuries from those years. Don't think having them would have made a difference?

I always take the approach that lots of teams lose players from injury. So, while we can bring up Mike Casey in 1970, Derek Anderson in 1997, etc., there are other teams that can probably do the same. Could it have had an effect? Absolutely. Do we know that those injuries cost us a title? We don’t

 

[L.O.D.]

If A&M boosters can get together 77 mil to buy out Jimbo our boosters should be able get together half that to buy out Cal.. UK might not have the BIG money Alum A&M got but they aren't poor either. A&M football while it is big its no blue blood UK is THE BLUE BLOOD of college bball.

Had we gotten rid of Cal last year we likely are looking at Vogel on sidelines. Sadly I don't think that can happen now.

 

[bthaunert]

If A&M boosters can get together 77 mil to buy out Jimbo our boosters should be able get together half that to buy out Cal.. UK might not have the BIG money Alum A&M got but they aren't poor either. A&M football while it is big its no blue blood UK is THE BLUE BLOOD of college bball.

Had we gotten rid of Cal last year we likely are looking at Vogel on sidelines. Sadly I don't think that can happen now.

Honest question…what is the obsession with Vogel for some fans here? I just do not get it. Take away the fact he was at UK 30 years ago…what about him makes him a candidate?

 

[FirewithFire]

No he didn't. He gave Cal a 10 year contract with an incredibly high salary. The contract sucks, but it's not a lifetime contract.

It is a lifetime contract in that it covers Cal all the way to an acceptable retirement age. That makes it his coaching lifetime.

 

[L.O.D.]

Honest question…what is the obsession with Vogel for some fans here? I just do not get it. Take away the fact he was at UK 30 years ago…what about him makes him a candidate?

He's best canidate IMO in pool of getable coaches. Got an NBA title as coach which would help recruit, has experience with a high profile job and yes the UK ties although a while ago is a nice touch. Hey I would rather have Stevens or Donovan or even Beard but none of those would come here. The first 2 by choice and no chance Mitch would hire Beard imo.

 

[bthaunert]

He's best canidate IMO in pool of getable coaches. Got an NBA title as coach which would help recruit, has experience with a high profile job and yes the UK ties although a while ago is a nice touch. Hey I would rather have Stevens or Donovan or even Beard but none of those would come here. The first 2 by choice and no chance Mitch would hire Beard imo.

Here are my issues:

1. He has zero experience coaching in college in his 24 years of coaching. That transition has been a disaster for almost any coach that had tried it.

2. In his last 7 seasons, he has done the following:

Missed playoffs
Lost in first round
Missed playoffs
Missed playoffs
Win NBA title in the bubble
Lost in the first round
Missed playoffs

3. The Suns are currently 6th in the west and underachieving this year.

So, 1 successful season in his last 8. Doesn’t that sound like the guy that’s currently in charge at UK?

 

[L.O.D.]

Here are my issues:

1. He has zero experience coaching in college in his 24 years of coaching. That transition has been a disaster for almost any coach that had tried it.

2. In his last 7 seasons, he has done the following:

Missed playoffs
Lost in first round
Missed playoffs
Missed playoffs
Win NBA title in the bubble
Lost in the first round
Missed playoffs

3. The Suns are currently 6th in the west and underachieving this year.

So, 1 successful season in his last 8. Doesn’t that sound like the guy that’s currently in charge at UK?

Fair assessment. Maybe that's correct but I do like Vogel for the job.. I would rather get Beard as there's no coach more hungry to win an he was a good coach before that imo. Just cant see Barney hiring g him

 

[bthaunert]

Fair assessment. Maybe that's correct but I do like Vogel for the job.. I would rather get Beard as there's no coach more hungry to win an he was a good coach before that imo. Just cant see Barney hiring g him

Oh yeah….no way Mitch even considers Beard. I’ll always say that having a connection to Kentucky shouldn’t automatically make you a candidate. If Vogel didnt have a connection to Kentucky, he would 100% never be mentioned.

 

[L.O.D.]

Oh yeah….no way Mitch even considers Beard.

That's the problem. Mitch will go with Drew likely or maybe Oats who are IMO lesser choices. Beard wants to win more than breathing to erase/lighten his stigma but Barney won't likely even talk to him . Would suck seeing him 60 miles west instead of in Lexington down the road. Jmo

 

[bthaunert]

That's the problem. Mitch will go with Drew likely or maybe Oats who are IMO lesser choices. Beard wants to win more than breathing to erase/lighten his stigma but Barney won't likely even talk to him . Would suck seeing him 60 miles west instead of in Lexington down the road. Jmo

If UK and Cal parted ways after this season, there is probably a 90% chance that Scott Drew would be out next coach…I agree with that.

 

[L.O.D.]

If UK and Cal parted ways after this season, there is probably a 90% chance that Scott Drew would be out next coach…I agree with that.

Your likely correct that Drew will be first called of those likely to take it. I don't agree with that as I think Beard is better hire but Drew is likely #1 on Mitchs radar. I'm just scared off a little that he's a coach that was middlin for over a decade then just started coming on recently. But I wouldn't be unhappy with Drew just would rather a few others.

 

[Wildcats1st]

AT THE TIME, there is not an AD alive that would not have given Cal an extention. (With an average of over 30 wins a year, at 81% winning percentage, the past championship, and final 4's.) Barnhart could not see such a decline AT THAT TIME. You can criticize how long and how much, but you have to take in consideration (if true) he was staving off an attempt by UCLA to take him away. What if Cal would have left for UCLA and won at a high percentage or possibly give them another title, Barnhart would have been crucified for letting that happen. So I don't blame Barnhart, it's all on Cal. He should resign and stop stealing UK's money.

After losing to a team we beat twice once we destroyed in elite eight I think most ADs would hold off or give an extension they can get out from. There was a trend building and Barney was too dumb to notice it. The guy has never been accused of brilliance.

 

[lsvljoe]

Barney is the worst AD in the SEC maybe in all of college sports

Ahh, but the softball team, and I am certain some other minor sports team is doing so great!!