Surprising Names that could Emerge as Kentucky Basketball's Next Head Coach

While common names like Bruce Pearl and Scott Drew are mentioned alot, in this article I identify some surprising options that may be mentioned as head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats if the primary options do not work out.

ByPeter Bartell|

St. John's v Connecticut | Sarah Stier/GettyImages

2 of 3

Rick Pitino

That is correct; that Rick Pitino. The Rick Pitino that left Kentucky for the NBA back in 1997 before coming back to college to coach the in-state rival Louisville Cardinal for 16 seasons before his firing in 2017.

Pitino recently resurfaced in 2021 with the Iona Gaels of the MAAC who are a mid-major. Pitino got back to his winning ways leading the Gaels to the NCAA Tournament all three seasons he was there.

This past year, Pitino coach the St. Johns Red Storm to a 20-13 record as he tries to rise back up the coaching ranks.

For a school in Kentucky that wants badly to get back to deep NCAA tournament runs, do not be surprised if Pitino at least gets a phone call.

Pitino is 854-306 overall as a head coach.

Home/SEC Basketball