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The Kentucky basketball program will soon begin a head coaching search following the departure of John Calipari to SEC rival Arkansas. Talk show host Paul Finebaum believes he knows who will get the first call.
Staying within the conference, he says Kentucky will target Nate Oats of Alabama after leading the Crimson Tide to a Final Four this season.
His reasoning behind that prediction? A discount received with Coach Cal’s latest move.
Things have been tense in Lexington between Calipari and Kentucky over the last few seasons. Much of that has to do with early round NCAA Tournament exits, a theme that continued in 2024 with a loss to Oakland.
After making four Final Fours and winning a national championship over his first six seasons, he’s struggled to maintain that level of success.
While there have been trips to the Elite Eight and Sweet 16 over the last decade, a number of the Wildcats’ most recent postseasons have ended with upsets to much lower rated foes. Since 2021, the program is just 1-3 in the Big Dance while losing to 15-seed Saint Peter’s and 13-seed Oakland.
Though a loud portion of Big Blue Nation wanted John Calipari removed from his head coaching role after his latest loss, a $33M buyout caused hesitance. Administration opted to give him at least another year rather than opening up the checkbook.
But now, they’ve gotten their wish without the hefty price tag!
Calipari is off to Arkansas, saving Kentucky those buyout costs while reaching the same conclusion. With the funds now in pocket, Paul Finebaum believes the Wildcats will swing for the fences with their next hire.
Finebaum says Kentucky will target Nate Oats.
And that comes despite the head coach having recently renegotiated his Crimson Tide contract to the tune of a near-$20M buyout. Paul Finebaum doesn’t believe the price will deter UK.
Paul Finebaum says to keep an eye on Nate Oats for the Kentucky job. As for his $18 million buyout at Alabama: “Kentucky just saved $33 million by not firing John Calipari.” pic.twitter.com/RjpXCrEWrw
— Brandon Zimmerman (@BZSEC) April 8, 2024
Oats led Alabama to the Final Four this season after previously having taken the program to three other NCAA Tournament appearances. Last season, the Crimson Tide held a No. 1 seed before being booted in the Sweet 16. Alabama also made the Round of 16 two years prior.
What Nate Oats has built in Tuscaloosa is impressive considering the lack of basketball tradition. Imagine what he could do at a blue blood!
Finebaum doesn’t think a measly $18M will stop Kentucky from getting their guy. If they can lure Oats from Alabama, it will cause a massive shakeup in the SEC.