Five names that make the most sense to be Kentucky's next head coach

Who will be Kentucky's next head basketball coach?

With John Calipari leaving for Arkansas, Kentucky, Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart is searching for a new head basketball coach.

Let's take a look at five names that would make the most sense for one of the best jobs in college hoops.

*Nate Oats and Jay Wright have both said that they are out; however, they would have been great coaches in Lexington.

Dan Hurley, UConn

Kentucky's first phone call should be to Dan Hurley, but it will be hard to pull him away from UConn as last night the Huskies won their second straight National Championship. Hurley would be a perfect fix in Lexington, but it will not be easy to get him away from UConn. If Kentucky was able to bring in Hurley, it would be a grand slam hire.

Billy Donovan, Chicago Bulls

Billy Donovan has been in the NBA for a while but has proven success in college basketball, leading Florida to back-to-back national championships. Donovan would have to adapt to the transfer portal and NIL but would be successful in Lexington.

Scott Drew, Baylor

Scott Drew is an interesting name, and you could argue that he is the frontrunner right now after Nate Oats pulled his name from the race. Drew has had success in the NCAA Tournament, transfer portal, and high school recruiting, leading many to believe he would succeed at Kentucky. This wouldn't be the sexiest hire for Kentucky fans, although Drew could be very successful.

Bruce Pearl, Auburn

Bruce Pearl is a name floated around every time a big-name job opens, but he is the type of coach who could be successful in Lexington. Pearl is a fan favorite, and took Auburn from one of the worst programs in Power-Six basketball to a constant contender. He has had some NCAA Tournament struggles of late after the 2019 Final Four run.

Tommy Lloyd, Arizona

Tommy Lloyd is the name floated around the least of the previous four names, but he has done a solid job at Arizona. Some don't believe Lloyd is ready for a job like Kentucky, and he has had some NCAA Tournament struggles, but he has proven to be an elite talent evaluator. This is a name that could get interesting if some of the other names start to pull out of the race.