Belligerence Gone

Iconic programs require icons. Icons who epitomize and represent their institution. Duke and Mike Krzyzewski. North Carolina and Dean Smith. UCLA and John Wooden. Billy Gillispie is abrasive, antagonistic, and arrogant.

On Friday, Kentucky fired Gillispie. According to Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart, Gillispie’s record was irrelevant. “There is a clear gap in how the rules and responsibilities overseeing the program are viewed,” said Barnhart. “It is a gap I do not believe can be solved by just winning games.”

During his career, Gillispie amassed a 140-85 record. In UTEP (2 seasons), he racked a 30-32 record. In Texas A&M (3 seasons), he registered a 70-26 record. In Kentucky (2 seasons), he logged a 40-27 ledger. “A lot of teams would be happy with 22 (wins) but not always around here when it's not the right 22,” he said.

Simply stated, Gillispie was an inappropriate hire. Kentucky needs an impact hire. Their iconic program needs an embodiment and representative. Kentucky cannot hire a coach. They must hire the coach.