[Cactus Jack]

Clay Travis
@ClayTravis
Chris Beard had to be on list too. I have zero doubt Pearl would win a title at UK. He’s almost done it at Auburn, would have done it already at Tennessee but for the stupid BBQ scandal. Oats has agreed to extension at Bama, but how locked in is it? Pitino back at UK vs Cal would be riveting.

I don't see Kentucky hiring Chris Beard. I can't see Rick Pitino either.

Most common names I'm seeing in national articles: Dan Hurley, Jay Wright, Billy Donovan, Nate Oats, Scott Drew, and Bruce Pearl.

Don't see Hurley or Wright because they're more comfortable where they are.

Don't see Billy Donovan unless the Bulls fire him (or the writing is on the wall that they are at least ready to fire him).

Oats has a large buyout at Alabama but now that UK is out from under Cal's contract, he's on the table. I'd also think he has to realize that he may be near his ceiling at Alabama right now. Maybe he's able to win a national championship there, or maybe he's another Mark Few with good teams and lots of near misses. I think he's the best candidate and his biggest baggage seems to be the Brandon Miller deal. Calipari has been called a Saint, but no one mentions the Tyreke Evans charges.

Scott Drew would work and he's a name I've liked, but he's getting up there in years and may not have a lot left in the tank. Maybe not the worst name to come in and nurture the program while the school looks for someone who'll lead for the next decade.

I have a hard time seeing Pearl unless a few big names have publicly turned down the job first.