UPDATE: Kentucky confirms coaching changeAfter just two seasons at the University of Kentucky, Billy Gillispie has been shown the door. According to a televised report on ESPN, Gillispie has been fired, effective immediately. There is a press conference scheduled for 4:30 PM Friday afternoon.
The move comes a few days after Kentucky was bounced from the NIT by Notre Dame. Yeah, the NIT. At Kentucky. Obviously, fans and prominent alumni weren't too excited at the direction of the program under Gillispie. He had compiled a 40-27 record (20-12 in the SEC) in just two seasons in Lexington. According to several reports, though, this move wasn't all about wins and losses.
Gillispie's personality had reportedly rubbed many people in the administration the wrong way, and there were whispers these past few weeks of a player mutiny.
As for the future in Lexington? The first name that would appear destined to pop up in relation to the now vacant Kentucky job now would probably be Florida's Billy Donovan. You'll remember the Wildcats' top choice two years ago was Donovan. He decided to stay in Florida after building a nationally prominent program who won back-to-back National Championships. After consecutive NIT visits, however, it's possible Donovan would change his tune and return to where he was once an assistant under Rick Pitino.
Stay tuned. This saga is certain to remain in headlines for weeks.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
3-27-2009 @ 3:51PM
wheresroom237 said...
Looks like he got the old "Billy Baroo". Billy, Billy, Billy.... Guess you'll be banging cheerleaders and butt-ugly secretaries somewhere else now.
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3-27-2009 @ 5:37PM
Johnnix0 said...
Kentucky needed a change.They need a coach who is great and has a real passion for the program.Pick up the phone Kentucky and call Travis Ford.He is the only real choice and he did just beat Tennessee.
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3-27-2009 @ 5:47PM
BIG-DADDY said...
You Guys Are About Stupid !!!You Jealous Of Billy G
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3-27-2009 @ 5:56PM
mrsr1964 said...
Big deal Billy G beat tennessee twice this year.
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3-27-2009 @ 5:59PM
mrsr1964 said...
They need to fire that darn AD,he is problem in lexington right now.
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3-27-2009 @ 6:21PM
smartinl said...
The firing of Gillespie was anticipated because of the not-so-intelligent rationale of Barnhardt and his side-kick president. They should be fired for mismanagment. THEY hired the wrong guy! Bad chemistry. They are no different from AIG, the banks....looking for scapegoats. THeY should be fired and Gillespie was not negligent by not signing a quantifiable contract with these bimboys.
UK and the State of Kentucky should be embarassed and the school should be boycotted by non-RUPP supporters based on Barnhardts comments. Barnhardt wants to go back to the Adolph Rupp years. Fine...he is putting himself and the school in a very bad light given the racist stance Rupp vocally stood for.
Donovan or anyone wouldn't want that kind of BS. Coach the team yourself AD Barnhardt and earn some of your obviously overpaid salary to match your crappy decision-making. And the pres can be your assistant.
And the rest of you UK fans on the "fire Gillespie" train should just stay on the train all the way out of the Commonwealth.
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3-27-2009 @ 6:54PM
CHARLOTTE said...
I was really, really upset when Rick left us for NBA. I got used to Tubby being the coach. I was not thrilled when Gillispie became coach. but firing him is not a great thing for recruiting. Coaches can give the players a play, but it has to be the players to carry it out. I don't blame the coach, I blame the players not playing as a team. There were 2 players this year. Jodie Meeks and Patterson. Who ever they bring in it is going to take time to get the program up and running. The administration or the fans gave Billy a chance.
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3-27-2009 @ 7:52PM
guitargirl0996 said...
BIG-DADDY said...
You Guys Are About Stupid !!!You Jealous Of Billy G
OK, what's wrong with THIS picture? LOL Daddy you must be another fine UK grad!
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