lol… I’ve been excited before. Wished we did this after 2015 but I digress. If this happens we are a complete rebuild, but I am ready for it.
This would make a ton of sense for Cal; and would reflect a watered down version of our scenario with White. I think both parties could be happy.
This is Mike White redoux. They get rid of an increasingly unpopular coach, who had an albatross of a buy out, and don’t have to pay a dime. Who also happens to go to a rival. Kentucky won huge here, they will get a big name to come in for sure.
That's also what I'm hearing Brent. Wish Cal was going outside the SEC, tho. Is Iona still looking for a coach?
Crazy crazy night... Been grinning ear to ear texting with some Arkansas friends (given that I live in Arkansas) who are thrilled as well. It's honestly a win/win for both programs. Give me Nate Oats though. I don't know what the buyout number is but Kentucky now owes Cal nothing - and it was hard to ever see that being the case. UK boosters should be ready to donate substantially if they're enthused about the new hire. That said, Oats is perfect from what I see. Has the kind of brashness that I think UK's best coaches have had. He's a good age and has shown consistent success. Beard might be the best available coach but, man, the wife-beating thing. I'm not saying I wouldn't still cheer for Kentucky but there's no feeling okay with what he was accused of. He'd win big though, I wouldn't doubt. I'm not sure Barnhart would go for him. After them, tier 2 for me would be Pearl and Drew. Maybe Sean Miller but I don't know there. Seeing people throw Brad Underwood's name out there. I'm not a college bball expert but my enthusiasm is hindered when I have to google what team a guy coaches currently. I don't think UK is going to pull Donovan, Hurley, Jay Wright or Brad Stevens. I'm not sure they should even bother to call them.
The Oats buyout is $18m. Steep, but feels like UK can do it. Don't know if any other(realistic) coach moves the needle like the fans want. Pitino, Donovan, Pearl....not realistic imo
If Billy went this time it would be hard to be mad. I would wish him luck. But given how much recruiting even before NIL influenced his decision to leave, it would be a really surpassing move to me.
Beard seems like a KY type of guy. It won't be Billy or any of the other guys who have ditched the college game.
And with that, Florida's early exit may turn out to be a blessing in disguise. If Florida had made a run, TG may have ended up on UK's target list.
