There are times when it's certainly understandable to replace a coach. But whatever happened at Kentucky - there are rumors that Tubby Smith resigned before he was fired - it's really sad that a guy who has won, and won consistently without cheating, isn't appreciated.
This happens at big schools like Kentucky, UCLA, UNC, and, more and more lately, Duke, where a lot of fans take the phenomenal achievements of the Krzyzewski era for granted.
Duke fans should watch this process closely. Kentucky fans may not get what they expect out of this move.
Here are the candidates speculated about to replace Tubby Smith at Kentucky:
- Tom Crean, Marquette
- Billy Donovan, Florida
- John Calipari, Memphis
- Rick Barnes, Texas
- Tom Izzo, Michigan State
- Jay Wright, Villanova
- Mike Brey, Notre Dame
Here's a question, just to stir the pot: what if Rick Pitino was interested in getting his old job back?
- Who's next for UK?
- Right move for Kentucky? âNova coach Wright
- Men's basketball: This wasn't the end he deserved
- Gophers basketball: Smith's a proven commodity
- Who Will Succeed Tubby Smith at Kentucky? Pt. II
- Maturi hits jackpot in getting Tubby to U
- Generosity in community will be missed
- Tubby Smith says he's leaving UK for Minnesota; Barnhart wishes him well
- Story: List of potential replacements long, imperfect
- Clay: Smith leaves classy legacy
- The race issue: Some see departure as a step back
- Generosity in community will be missed
- Former UK players stunned, angry
- Patterson's mom: 'It doesn't look good' for UK
- Minnesota's appeal: Fans less focused on college ball
- Smith's record, timeline
- Many students welcome coaching change
- Smith gets bonus but UK avoids paying other incentives
- Word spreads quickly at Sweet 16
- POLL: Whom would you like to see become Kentucky's next head coach?