Tuesday AM Update: Kentucky will contact three candidates, but needs to hear from Calipari first

What is the latest on Kentucky’s coaching search? Mitch Barnhart has three names in mind, but before he can really get things rolling, there are some technicalities to wrap up.

According to Matt Jones, as of 10 a.m. today, John Calipari still had not technically informed Kentucky that he is resigning. While Barnhart can put out feelers in back channels, Calipari needs to officially end his contract with the school before talks can start in earnest. Last night, Pete Thamel reported that Calipari’s contract with Arkansas is still being finalized, and an announcement is expected today, so it’s hopefully only a matter of hours.

Once the Ts are crossed the Is are dotted, who will Barnhart go after first? According to Matt Jones, there are three names atop the list.

“Kentucky will contact Danny Hurley, Billy Donovan, and Scott Drew,” Jones tweeted this morning. “My guess is they will make all three of them say no. Maybe they all do but they will try with all before moving to another group. That group is much more wide open and could include a ton of people.”

Kentucky will contact Danny Hurley, Billy Donovan and Scott Drew. My guess is they will make all three of them say no

Maybe they all do but they will try with all before moving to another group

That group is much more wide open and could include a ton of people

— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) April 9, 2024

After winning his second straight national championship with UConn last night, Hurley downplayed his interest in other jobs, telling Kyle Tucker “No way” when asked about the rumors Kentucky will pursue him. But what else would you expect him to say in that scenario?

The internet is rumbling about Kentucky pursuing Hurley and the money they are prepared to offer. Hurley’s new contract extension will pay him an average of $5.35 million per year. Kentucky can offer significantly more than that, especially now that the school isn’t on the hook for Calipari’s $33.4 million buyout. Even if his heart is in Storrs, his mind will tell him to pick up the phone and listen.

The radio show starts right now, so tune in to hear if Matt has any more updates on Calipari’s status and/or the list of candidates.

———-UPDATE———-

Jones opened KSR this morning breaking down the latest with Calipari, confirming once again that he still has not notified Kentucky he is leaving for the Arkansas job.

“As of 10:02, John Calipari still has not told Kentucky he’s leaving. John Calipari still has not had the official statement to Kentucky as required by his contract that he’s talking to other schools. That still has not happened,” he said. “It’s just weird. It’s also hamstrung Kentucky. They cannot have official conversations with potential coaches until Cal tells them there’s a vacancy. And he still hasn’t.

“Now, I think everyone expects that will come today, but they expected it would come yesterday.”

He added later in the show that Sean Miller, Shaka Smart and Chris Beard are second-tier coaches — whenever the vacancy is made official, that is.

Want more coverage of the Cats? Join the KSR Club.

KSR has been delivering UK Sports news in the most ridiculous manner for almost two decades. Now, you can get even more coverage of the Cats with KSR+. As Kentucky searches for its next head basketball coach, now is the perfect time to join our online community. Subscribe now for premium articles, in-depth scouting reports, inside intel, bonus recruiting coverage, and access to KSBoard, our message board featuring thousands of Kentucky fans around the globe. Just $1 gets you one month of access. Come join the club.