(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Updated Arizona Coaching Search

Word in from my usually pretty reliable source, a.k.a. Doc Randi, says that the Arizona coaching search should be on it's last lap. While nothing is written or signed, it sounds like the decision has been made by Athletic Director Jim Livengood and there are only a few options.

1a. Rick Pitino

Why: Pitino has said recently that he loves rebuilding programs, and there isn't a better rebuilding opportunity out there than in Tucson.

While he has always been a moving man, he may be looking to settle down somewhere with son Richard, waiting in the wings a la Bobby and Pat Knight and Sean Sutton.

Arizona Tie: Rumors flood that Pitino's wife has already purchased a house in Tucson and that his youngest child, daughter Jacqueline Pitino, is planning on or has already enrolled in the U of A for next year. His 1997 Kentucky Wildcats team lost to Arizona in the National Championship.

Confirmed reports have said that friend and former AD C.M. Newton has spoken with Arizona AD Jim Livengood. Whether or not Pitino's name came up is not certain, but common sense dictates it probably did.

Why Not: Arizona probably won't be able to commit as much money to Rick as Louisville has and Louisville has been a great home for Pitino. They have embraced Pitino and his family as part of the Louisville family since day one, and host the Billy Minardi Classic each fall to honor the death of Pitino's brother in law who died in the 9/11 attacks.

1b. John Calipari

Why: He can't stay at Memphis forever. It's like an asterisk on his record.

Though he is always the top program in his conference and racks up 30 win seasons every year, people will always say it's C-USA. A move to a top conference would be a big step for Cal and his career.

Arizona Tie: One of Calipari's Top Assistant Coaches is pretty familiar with the Tucson area and the Arizona basketball program, considering he spent over a decade roaming the halls of McKale.

Josh Pastner will no doubt tell Calipari of the fans, tradition, and love of Arizona basketball. We all know Pastner is one of the best recruiters out there.

Also, Memphis was in Glendale for the last few days as was Jim Livengood. It's simply speculation that old friends Pastner and Livengood met up for a drink or dinner, and perhaps Pastner may have brought along Calipari.

Why Not: Besides the price tag, he is firmly entrenched in a perennial Second Weekend Tournament team.

Does he really want to move into a new conference with a new team? Does he want to do another rebuild like he did in Memphis when he is used to being a 1-3 seed in the tournament every year?

2. Tom Izzo

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?