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In all the names mentioned in connection with the Kentucky job (here and here), there was one notable exception who I really expected to see there: Jesus. Because that's who it might take to meet the lofty expectations of the Kentucky fanbase.You probably know Tubby Smith's Kentucky resume by heart at this point: averaged 26 wins a year, won 5 SEC regular season titles, 5 SEC tournament titles, went to the Sweet Sixteen six times, went to the Elite Eight 3 times, went to the NCAA tournament 10 times in 10 years, went undefeated in the SEC in 2003 and won 100 of his first 130 games at Kentucky. And oh yeah, he won a national title.
And yesterday, he was fired (you can say he left, he resigned, he did whatever, but clearly, Kentucky wanted him gone) as head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats.
I'm not saying that Kentucky was right or wrong to do this. I have an opinion on that, you have an opinion on that, everyone has their opinion. But here are facts: going to the Sweet 16 in more than half of your years at a school is good. Going undefeated in the SEC in any year is remarkable. Five SEC titles in 10 years is good. Appearing in the Elite Eight three times in 10 years is good. These are facts.
There are really only three programs that can expect that level of success or above over any extended period of time: Duke, North Carolina, and Kansas. There are others on the cusp of that, but just three clearly inside. Basically, what Kentucky is asking of their next coach is to make Kentucky one of the top four programs in the country.
I'm just wondering, what would have been good enough for Tubby Smith to keep his job? I'm really asking. I don't know the answer. Two national championships? Two Final Fours (and really, Tubby was one incredible Dwyane Wade performance away from having two Final Fours, and another great game against Michigan State from having three Final Fours)? 8 SEC Championships? 10 straight Sweet Sixteens? Could he have had the same exact record he compiled, but played a more uptempo style and had a more ebullient personality, and kept his job?
Kentucky really should put these things down on paper. I'm sure the incoming coach would love to know exactly what he has to be accomplish that will make the difference between him being a coaching legend or a pariah.
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