The chemistry just wasn’t right.
That was what UK Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart said about UK and former men’s basketball head coach Billy Gillispie, who will not be brought back after two years in Lexington.
“This is not a place I thought we would be in or where I want to be,†Barnhart said during a Friday news conference. “I’d like to thank Coach Gillispie and his staff for their two years here, but we have decided not to bring him back.â€
During Barnhart’s opening comments he talked about the tradition of UK and what the program meant to the fan base — saying it is something that determines when weddings are held. Barnhart took full responsibility for getting UK back to that.
“It’s my responsibility and I don’t regret hiring Billy to be the basketball coach,†Barnhart said. “He’s a good basketball coach, but sometimes it’s just not the right fit and that’s my responsibility.â€
The correct piece to the puzzle — the successor to Gillispie — has not been decided on, Barnhart said. He does not expect to host any interviews the next 72 hours but did say the search process will begin this weekend.
The heaviest rumor on the Internet has been Florida’s head coach Billy Donovan accepting the job. Donovan was an assistant coach for the Cats from 1989-94 under Rick Pitino and was a candidate for UK’s job two years ago. However, Donovan released a statement saying he was not interested in leaving Florida for any job.
“In response to the rumors circulating about my interest in other jobs, I wanted to address this as quickly as possible. I am committed to the University of Florida and look forward to continuing to build our program here,†Donovan said in a statement.
Gillispie went 40-27 during his two years at UK, but Barnhart and UK President Lee Todd said it was more than just wins and losses that went into the release of Gillispie. To them, the most important part was realizing UK isn’t just another job and how special it is to coach at UK.
“There was a lack of understanding that this job is more than games and recruiting,†Todd said. “You have to be an ambassador to this program and university.â€
While acknowledging the criticism he has faced over the last couple of months Barnhart also talked about his responsibility to return UK to a national championship caliber.
“Coach Rupp started something that is now bigger than any one person. Coaches, players and administrators get the privilege of serving this program simply as caretakers for a brief moment in its history,†Barnhart said. “It is my responsibility to ensure that the University of Kentucky continues to be a special place in the hearts and minds of our fans across the nation, and that the right pieces are in place to return the basketball program to a championship level and continue those proud traditions of success.â€
Barnhart believed he made the right decision to return UK to a championship level two years ago and said he does not regret hiring Gillispie as head coach — despite not making the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1991.
While trying to find the next head coach, Barnhart and Todd also expect to meet soon with Gillispie’s lawyers to talk about a settlement program. While it was rumored to be in the six million dollar range, Todd said he expects the settlement to be less.
“We’ll be in contact with Billy’s legal counsel to agree on a settlement,†Todd said. “I expect it to be less than six million dollars because the memorandum is a one-year contract.â€
Related stories:
Barnhart didn’t see this coming
Timeline of Gillispie’s career
UK should worry more about academics instead of basketball.
I have been an avid UK fan since 1954. Will not watch or pay to aee them again!! UK is no longer a houe of learning but rather a sports corporation!! The current coach took a good screwing!!
Barnhart: “This is not a place I thought we would be inâ€
Duuh! You are the reason and cause of the whole affair.
UK missed the opportunity for a two for one sale.
I think Billy Gillispie was done an injustice and that, this is a black mark aganist the UK basketball program. Barnhart and UK President Lee Todd should be the next to go, for unlike Gillispie they deserve to be fired.
It would have nice for Gillespie to have one more year to implement his program
but it appeared that interpersonal dysfunction would make another year too
painful for all. Blame should be shared all-around: to UK for not screening
Billy initially for social skills and to Billy who must have known some social interaction was required for the UK job. Smart comments and rude behavior coupled will little flexibility and willingness to change sealed the deal.
Best for both sides to cut ties and move ahead. Please dont blame “unreasonable UK fans” for this —–we didnt do it!!
I totally agree with James Phillips comments stated above. His comments say it all.
Thanks!
Best endeavors to Billy G. You are gone but not forgotten! I certainly hope that no hasty decisions are made to replace you, and that the Athletics Dept. uses careful decision making when choosing your replacement. Is it possible to find another Adolph or possible Patino? Someone who will present themselves well in the public eye, as well as coach the team with the dignity, talent, and expertise necessary to bring back that good ole Kentucky Wildcat style? Good Luck Wildcats!
Mitch Barnhart and the University of Kentucky Department of Athletics has made a serious error. Firing Billy Gillespie for his lack of PR skills shows that Barnhart is not the guy for the job.
Mr Barnhart and Dr Todd chose to make the University look arrogant and pompous buy saying that Billy didn’t have the PR skills needed for the position. Then they say there was no Formal contract, so they will not fulfill their part of the Memorandum of understanding.
If Kentucky had a problem with the coach, They should have simply said that they were not able to reach a Formal Agreement with Gillespie and for that reason they were re-opening their coaching search and left all the garbage out of the discussion. But it appears that Barnhart feels that the extra drama is needed.
Kentucky is the “House that Rupp Built.” It was built with pride, hard work and tradition, not drama. The renovations to the house are substandard and that is the fault of the designer. When working on renovations, you don’t destroy the Foundation and that is exactly what Mitch Barnhart has done.
Maybe Billy wasn’t a good fit, but Mitch Barnhart has now done a lot more damage than Billy ever did.
I would strongly suggest that the Board of trustees press Dr Todd to remove Mr Barnhart and hire a “Kentucky Guy” to fill the position of Athletics Director.