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Kentucky basketball: 10 potential replacements for John Calipari

By Brad Berreman

LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY - JANUARY 12: John Calipari the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats gives instructions to his team against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Rupp Arena on January 12, 2021 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY - JANUARY 12: John Calipari the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats gives instructions to his team against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Rupp Arena on January 12, 2021 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Brad Brownell, Clemson head coach

Coming off an extended break due to COVID-19 protocol, Clemson got blown out 85-50 by Virginia on Saturday night. So they’ll surely fall from No. 12 next week’s ranking, but the Tigers are still 9-2 this season and they entered the Virginia game No. 1 by KenPom in defensive efficiency (and they’re still seventh after that poor showing). The Tigers have lost 11 straight to the Cavaliers.

Now in his 11th season at Clemson, Brownell is 194-144 with five postseason appearances (two NCAA Tournament appearances) in the nine campaigns where there were postseason games to play. That record doesn’t knock socks off, but the ACC is always deep and tough and Brownell has generally done more with less. With what Calipari has done with “less” so far this year, Kentucky might hone in on someone like Brownell if they move to find a new coach.

3. Shaka Smart, Texas head coach

The shine on Smart’s star has faded during his tenure at Texas, with just two one-and-done NCAA Tournament appearances and an NIT title in his first five seasons. But the Longhorns vaulted into the top-5 last week, with a narrow loss to No. 15 Texas Tech Wednesday night and a decisive win over Kansas State on Saturday since.

Texas’ other loss this year was by four points to a 12th-ranked Villanova team. The Longhorns are one of four teams in the top-12 in the country in adjusted offensive and defensive efficiency this season (according to KenPom). So Smart is rewarding the patience shown to him. Would Kentucky make a run at him if they decide to replace Calipari? Would he consider making the move?