BREAKING: Tubby Smith to be named HC at U of Minnesota

by JL Blue on Mar 22, 2007 2:14 PM EDT in Basketball

This is not a drill.

According to multiple sources, Kentucky head basketball coach "Orlando" Tubby Smith will be named head coach at the University of Minnesota.

Smith apparently met with Athletic Director Mitch Barnhardt to tell him the news, and sources also say he has informed his team. No word yet on the status of transfers, Randolph Morris or the two recruits who were waiting to find out about Tubby's situation.

The move ends a 10-year run for Smith that includes the 1998 NCAA championship, five SEC Tournament titles, parts of seven regular season titles, a 263-83 overall mark and lots of differing opinions.

One has to think that, barring a Billy Donovan arrival to Kentucky, Patrick Patterson and Jai Lucas -- the two remaining blue chip recruits considering the Cats -- will take their skills elsewhere.

Next up is a coaching search sure to include some familiar names, some big names and some unexpected names, including but not limited to Donovan, John Thompson III, Billy Gillespie, Ben Howland, Tom Crean and plenty of others.

ESPN.com article posted above mentions the following that I did not: Tom Izzo, John Calipari, Mark Few and Mike Brey.

The Brey name may surprise, but apparently he's a buddy of Mitch's. That pick, by the way, would be unbelievably poor. Expect some pro coaches to be mentioned as well, though no one can say if they'll be able to recruit at the college level. Mike D'Antoni of the Suns would be an interesting choice, in terms of playing style alone.

More details as we get them.

Looks like some folks are get their wish. here's hoping that the next coach understands what Tubby did wrong and that fans understand someday what Smith did right.

Update [2007-3-22 17:8:12 by Truzenzuzex]: Channel 32 News in Louisville is reporting that Smith will receive his $1.5M longevity bonus from UK, since he substantially fulfilled the terms. ~~I have not confirmed that yet, though ...~~ Confirmed here.

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I wish him the best of luck

I think a school like Minnesota, where the pressure every season is not half of what it is at UK, is probably the exact kind of place Tubby needs to be.

But if we don't land Donovan, or maybe Crean or Pearl, (really anyone who ought to be a top coach) then UK fans are going to have no one to blame but themselves if we end up right back in this place 3 years from now. That's been my biggest fear about losing Tubby: You can't guarantee who/what you will replace him with.

by Logan5 on Mar 22, 2007 3:26 PM EDT 0 recs

Yeah, but ...

Kentucky made Pitino and Tubby Smith, not the other way around.

I have a sneaking suspicion that the next coach will do just fine.

Not to mention that there are also choices we may not expect. No one saw Self leaving Illinois after going to the Elite Eight.

The Online home of Big Blue Nation ...

by JL Blue on Mar 22, 2007 3:31 PM EDT up 0 recs

I like . . .

Riley the Runt.

by olddoc on Mar 22, 2007 3:32 PM EDT 0 recs

CJ has the story ...

and they are not known for getting out front on anything.

This is not a rumor, folks.

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 22, 2007 3:34 PM EDT 0 recs

ESPN has picked it up

As has everyone else, it seems.

by shamsway on Mar 22, 2007 3:39 PM EDT 0 recs

Tom Leach is reporting ...

that Tubby Smith told him in his own words that "it was highly likely" he will be leaving.

Andy Katz at ESPN is reporting it as fact.

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 22, 2007 3:47 PM EDT 0 recs

i still

think billy wants a shot at this job. im not ashamed to say i would like that very much.

by boobs on Mar 22, 2007 3:48 PM EDT 0 recs

He absolutely ...

will get a shot, IMO. UK would be foolish not to consider him - if he wants it, which is far from clear.

I have heard Crean's name mentioned on the radio already, but no way would UK have filled the position by now. Why deprive themselves of the publicity and drama?

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 22, 2007 3:53 PM EDT up 0 recs

Why do you think ...

that is a fantasy?

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 22, 2007 3:53 PM EDT 0 recs

If Donovan wants to stay there ...

I'm cool with that.

But I think I'll wait on him to tell us before I write him off.

Opportunities like UK come once. If Donovan is totally happy and one of the ultimate coaching jobs isn't enough to entice him, I suppose nothing will.

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 22, 2007 4:25 PM EDT up 0 recs

Not if he resigned ...

he gets absolutely nothing if he leaves. He may be entitled to the $1.5M longevity bonus, but he may have to litigate for that. Contractually, he doesn't get it unless he lasts till April 3rd.

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 22, 2007 3:56 PM EDT 0 recs

wow!

Huge news.

Forget Donovan. The good news is we Gator fans won't have to hear about Donovan going to UK again for at least a few years, after Kentucky hires their next head coach.

Good luck with the coaching search, and to Tubby -- you were a class act in the SEC, always respected by your opponent's fans. Stay real, my man.

Orange & Blue Hue http://www.orangeandbluehue.com

by Gatorpilot on Mar 22, 2007 3:58 PM EDT 0 recs

Heh ...

Matt Jones' board has melted down.

TCP is melting down, also. ;-)

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 22, 2007 3:58 PM EDT 0 recs

nah

hes resigning, so he doesnt get the 10 million left on his contract.

and i disagree that hes leaving the cupboard bare. for all we know, morris will stay now that we'll likely have a coach who wants to run. given the backcourt talent this team has, it could be instantly better with a more uptempo philosophy.

plus we havent been getting the recruits we used to get, which was conjecture until guys like brandan wright said tubby's style was a big reason why he didnt want to come to UK.

as long as barnhart doesnt sign another conservative coach, we could see more success very soon, imo.

by boobs on Mar 22, 2007 3:59 PM EDT 0 recs

Ridiculous....

Way to many people launched personal attacks on the man, can anyone really blame him for exiting stage left????? Its not disgraceful much less all that surprising.

Now the real question becomes; can our beloved Kentucky Wildcats do a better job of attracting a top flight coach than they have at bringing in top flight recruits the last couple of years.

by wldcatsfreak on Mar 22, 2007 4:02 PM EDT 0 recs

Doubtful

After everyone has just seen how Tubby was treated. Who would want to subject themselves to that?

by shamsway on Mar 22, 2007 4:07 PM EDT up 0 recs

I think ...

Smith was tired of this place, and I can understand why. There is nothing disgraceful about anything he has done here that I am aware of. He apparently thinks it is his best move, and I actually agree with his decision. His position here would have been very difficult next year, and you can't blame him for being unwilling to have to constantly screen out the sanity-challenged on his radio show.

I just heard that the AP and Minnesota TV/Radio have confirmed the deal, and that Smith left on a private plane for Minneapolis/St. Paul 30 minutes ago.

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 22, 2007 4:07 PM EDT up 0 recs

Agree

I just heard the same as well.

I think it is probably the best for everyone involved. Tubby just seemed tired. Some will say he is run off.. dunno how true that is. It's all perception I suppose.

I didn't expect it this quickly. I hope we can make the right decision here.

by shamsway on Mar 22, 2007 4:12 PM EDT 0 recs

He is doing us a solid!

Due to my profession I am addicted to marketing, PR and spin in business and politics and the positive and negatives associated.

The fever had been a little too hot this year. Right or wrong it was what it was. There was no going back.

The outstanding man that is Tubby did everyone a solid. He didn't dig in the heels and force an ugly departure or even a shady horse stall hand shake of cash. He didn¡¦t keep the cloud over him and the nasty fans for another year. A year that might be a very slight favorite to be worse than this year and all of UK press would be negative.

I didn't always agree with everyone on keeping Tubby but I NEVER lost my respect for him personally. I have met him twice in a casual business setting. The type setting where I didn¡¦t mean anything to him really but he remembered me the second time. That has stuck with me.

Good luck Tubby.

Kentucky will be fine as well. We are on the edge of GREAT publicity or the worst since FedEx but we will be fine.

P.S. I heard from a dude who heard from a dude that the entire Unforgetables team has been hired to tag team the coaching. fº

by wilson452 on Mar 22, 2007 4:18 PM EDT 0 recs

I think that's a great take.

Now, we won't have to listen to the media lambaste us for racism, etc.

He did do us a solid, and himself as well. Class all the way.

He has put up with more than anyone should be willing to endure for money. At some point, you have to say, "enough." And seriously, next season would have been very difficult, no matter what happened.

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 22, 2007 4:29 PM EDT up 0 recs

Oh, give it a rest .. .

You got what you wanted. Shut up with the class comments.

You have at the moment a national freshman first-teamer, plus Jasper and two senior potential all-sec guards in Bradley and Crawford.

While Morris is still a longshot to return, the cupboard is not bare.

You're just looking to kick him on the way out of town.

Lame.

The Online home of Big Blue Nation ...

by JL Blue on Mar 22, 2007 4:23 PM EDT 0 recs

OK

"very wealthy man and UK is left with piss poor talent. Shameful."

If that's your idea of not kicking a man, then please don't show us your handshake.

The next time you tell me to kiss my ass, consider yourself no longer welcome here.

The Online home of Big Blue Nation ...

by JL Blue on Mar 23, 2007 1:44 AM EDT up 0 recs

Obvious?

We're obviously headed to the NIT?

And you know this how?

The only thing obvious is that your powers of foresight are vastly overrated by your own mind.

I like "Consider Yourself Lame" though ... could be a nice T-shirt.

The Online home of Big Blue Nation ...

by JL Blue on Mar 23, 2007 11:32 AM EDT up 0 recs

Your idea?!

OK, so I'll admit I was a little overly harsh in posting to your original comment.

The least you could do is float me your T-Shirt agenda!

The Online home of Big Blue Nation ...

by JL Blue on Mar 23, 2007 1:03 PM EDT up 0 recs

I guess some were off on their predictions

So much for the 15% prediction eh?

by KFWA on Mar 22, 2007 4:24 PM EDT 0 recs

Just the facts ...

... See why we don't do rumors?!

heh.

The Online home of Big Blue Nation ...

by JL Blue on Mar 22, 2007 4:24 PM EDT up 0 recs

I'll take my lumps on that one ...

but I honestly thought he would tough it out.

But hey - I did say 15% - not 0! And I had his possibility of not returning at 25%, which isn't so bad.

I think people would have laughed me off the board if I had predicted he would depart for Minnesota.

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 22, 2007 4:31 PM EDT up 0 recs

Man, that happened in a hurry

I figured it'd be a Big Ten school, you know one with UM, I just didn't think it'd be Minnesota.

Wow. Well, Gillispie and Donovan jump to the front of your list. Good luck from one Blue to another.

Maize n Brew

Because Football Is Better With Beer

by Maize n Brew Dave on Mar 22, 2007 4:29 PM EDT 0 recs

I though Michigan ...

was a real possibility. Smith has some recruiting connections there, and it just looked like a good fit.

My guess is that Minnesota came up with the $$, and that was the difference. Of course, it could be that Michigan wasn't as interested in Smith as you might have hoped.

I saw several Michigan blogs talking up Smith to UM, but for whatever reason, I guess it wasn't interesting to Smith or UM (or both?).

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 22, 2007 4:35 PM EDT up 0 recs

Brey ...

No way.

But then again, Barnhart has the AD job,and ultimately, he'll be the person making the call.

I expect that we won't all be happy with whoever it is. Barnhart didn't exactly set the BBN on fire with his choice of a football head coach.

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 22, 2007 4:41 PM EDT 0 recs

What about Gillispie?

Good luck to Tubby. Given the acrimony among the fan base and 10 years in the pressure cooker at UK, it was probably time for a change. I hope he does well at Minnesota. The slower, rougher (and less competitive) Big 10 could be a good fit.

Regardless of your Tubby Love/Hate, this is great timing. The worst case would be him leaving in the summer. Now we have a chance to line up a solid coach. I can't see Donovan leaving UFL. He has proven he can win a championship at Florida and their AD Foley has committed large resources to the program.

Please don't mention Crean. He has missed 4 NCAAs in 8 years and only made if pass the 1st round in 2003 with Dwayne Wade on the bench.

I'm interested in the Billy Gillispie pursuit. If you can make Texas A&M a power, you must be a good coach. He is young, but that is not bad thing in today's high pressure world of college basketball.

by PapaKat on Mar 22, 2007 4:46 PM EDT 0 recs

I agree...

Billy Gillespie may be a good choice and would probably jump at the opportunity to coach at UK, and away from A&M's football first program, shrill fans or no.

Donovan on the other hand just doesn't seem like someone likely to jump from UFL to another SEC school, even if that school is UK. Who knows, though. As said in another post, UK is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

by senowen on Mar 22, 2007 5:27 PM EDT up 0 recs

Ugh

The Dynasty Defender folks are going crazy. Check out my real-time blog for when I stopped by the DD.

The Fake Gimel Martinez FireTubby.com

by FakeGimelMartinez on Mar 22, 2007 4:51 PM EDT 0 recs

Ugh, indeed.

Well, we have dealt with fans of that ilk here and here.

I don't think a new coach is going to improve their ethics much, but hopefully I'm wrong. Looking at your site doesn't give me much confidence, though.

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 22, 2007 5:19 PM EDT up 0 recs

Associated Press Confirms Tubby is leaving

According to the associated press a Minnesota school official Tubby Smith will be the new head coach of the University of Minnesota

They says the official spoke on condition of anonymity because the school has not announced the hire.

The AP reports basketball spokesman Scott Stricklin said Smith met with the Kentucky players today.

They report that Stricklin said he didn't know what Smith told the players.

You can check out the story here: http://www.wtvq.tv/blogs/solid_blue_blog

by bigbluefan75 on Mar 22, 2007 4:54 PM EDT 0 recs

Yea ...

I mentioned that upthread. The announcement will be tomorrow at noon in Minneapolis/St. Paul.

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 22, 2007 5:15 PM EDT up 0 recs

The news is so big...

It's even been picked up by Burnt Orange Nation. I believe UK has NO shot at Donovan, but I really hope they land Gillispie. As a Longhorn supporter as well, I can't stand the guy, which probably says a lot about how good of a coach he is.

by jc25 on Mar 22, 2007 5:30 PM EDT 0 recs

TUBBY

Lets hope mitch doesnt hurry this decision and hires the best coach. Hopefully he has a small list of coaches he wants to interview and i PRAY Brey is not on that short list bad hire

by sgray62 on Mar 22, 2007 5:53 PM EDT 0 recs

New name for the list...

Reggie Theus of New Mexico State. Outstanding individual with bona fide NBA contacts, a little untested, but, I feel would grow quickly with the job.

Stinky Blue

by Stinky Blue on Mar 22, 2007 6:00 PM EDT 0 recs

Too untested ...

for my money. For my money, Gillespie is too green.

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 22, 2007 6:04 PM EDT up 0 recs

Um ...

He's a sleazeball.

He "fired" his team at NMSU, brought in a dude who was kicked out of St. Johns for sexual assault and a bunch of other JUCOs.

Sleazy. No thanks.

The Online home of Big Blue Nation ...

by JL Blue on Mar 22, 2007 6:10 PM EDT up 0 recs

The problem with Billy Gillespie

Wasn't he involved with the U of Illinois recruiting violations when Bill Self was there?
The well-worn rumors that he's quite the drinker brings way too many memories back that end with "Sutton".
According to the SI article I read about him a few weeks back, he's quite overly obsessed with basketball. The article reported that he still had a plastic Christmas tree up in his apartment/house in late February.

Barnhart is quite the religious man: given the first three points, I can't see Barnhart being convinced to pick Gillespie up.

The Fake Gimel Martinez FireTubby.com

by FakeGimelMartinez on Mar 22, 2007 6:00 PM EDT 0 recs

It's Almost Blasphemous

I know it sounds crazy to say, but I would love to have Bruce Pearl. He's really created an excitement in Knoxville and has created an excellent team without recruiting 1-2 & out players. We've all given Tubby heartache for dropping the ball on Lofton, but truth is few people saw the potential in him. Sure he was Mr. Basketball, but he was no Mickie D.

by BlueHeart on Mar 22, 2007 6:01 PM EDT 0 recs

Pearl .. .

He didn't recruit Lofton, Buzz Peterson did.

The Online home of Big Blue Nation ...

by JL Blue on Mar 22, 2007 6:03 PM EDT up 0 recs

The only coach ...

that might cause me to give up on college basketball altogether is Bruce Pearl.

I loathe him. Period.

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 22, 2007 6:05 PM EDT up 0 recs

there is no way

that billy donavan would leave florida to go to kentucky.

kentucky is still a premier job because of its name, but if you take the name out of it (i know, it matters just listen to me) there is no way that any of the possible candidates would leave their current positions to go to uk.

donavan is out of the possibility, but someone like pearl is VERY likely to me. brean could easily be had, but i dont think he would do anything close to as well as tubby. kentucky made tubby smith the coach he was thought to be, you guys want a coach like rick pitino who is actually a good coach and can come in and improve upon the kentucky name instead of just feeding off of it.

my prediction on who you guys will get? tom crean. izzo is too high profile to make lateral move from michigan state to kentucky (yes a move from msu to uk is lateral right now) but crean is a level below uk, a G-R-E-A-T coach and will make you guys a better program.

mark my words, the next kentucky coach will be tom crean.

Come and visit Rock Chalk Talk, it's what your mom would want you to do.

by rockchalktalk on Mar 22, 2007 6:49 PM EDT 0 recs

Nah

You're underselling the Kentucky brand.

Why wouldn't Donovan leave Florida? His All-Everything team is going pro and the UK job opens up once a decade.

As for Crean, I dunno. I just think folks outside the game tend to forget what a draw those top tier jobs are.

Why would Bill Self leave Illinois after going to the Elite Eight and winning the Big Ten? What does Kansas have that Illinois does not?

Tradition. History. Longevity.

The Online home of Big Blue Nation ...

by JL Blue on Mar 22, 2007 6:57 PM EDT up 0 recs

Bingo...

When college coaches begin their careers they dream about head positions at basically five or six schools. UK happens to be one of them.

Don't forget the massive egos it takes to get to the top of this profession. It the egos (as well as the payday) that continually draws the best coaches to the biggest programs in college basketball. Very few know the instant idol worship or know the roar of the Rupp crowd as your name is announced as the UK head coach. Add to that unlimited resources and top notch facilities. I don't know who would not seriously consider coaching at such a place (even given the recent idiocy).

by senowen on Mar 22, 2007 7:53 PM EDT up 0 recs

He may not ...

but if he doesn't strongly consider it, he is a fool. Even with the team Donovan has, he has only sold out their 12,000-seat "arena" once this entire year.

If he can be happy with that kind of job, he is definitely not the right person for UK. Florida is a coaching dead end. He caught lightning in a bottle, as Pitino did before him. It doesn't last, and it's harder to recreate at Florida than UK.

A lot harder.

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 22, 2007 11:18 PM EDT up 0 recs

My list

Riley, Donovan, Pelphrey, Ford

Outsiders: Wright and Izzo

The Kentucky Democrat
Redbirds Fun
GO BIG BLUE!

by cardsfan84 on Mar 22, 2007 7:55 PM EDT 0 recs

Coach

This has as much chance as Mmike D'Antoni which is none but I want Avery Johnson of the Mavs. I am not a Mavs fan but I think AJ would be great here but that wont happen.

Bottomline though we have to get Billy D. he gives us the best shot of not regressing the next couple of years.

by davw83 on Mar 23, 2007 11:02 AM EDT 0 recs