Report: Baylor's Scott Drew Seen as Kentucky AD's Top Choice to Replace John Calipari

Baylor's Scott Drew is reportedly seen as Kentucky's top choice to replace John Calipari, who shocked the basketball world Sunday night to leave for Arkansas.

Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart and Drew are on "friendly" terms, and many believe Barnhart would push hard to have Drew head to Lexington, per The Athletic. It's unclear if Drew has any interest in the vacancy.

Baylor and Drew recently agreed to a new contract, which could complicate matters even if he's interested.

Drew, 53, has been at Baylor since 2003. He's turned a once-moribund program into a fixture in the national picture, reaching nine of the last 10 NCAA tournaments and winning the 2021 national championship.

The Bears haven't reached the Sweet 16 since that title, but Drew's work laying the foundation at Baylor remains impressive.

Calipari's exit at Kentucky is nothing less than shocking. The Hall of Fame coach has been with the Wildcats for the last 15 seasons, leading the program to four Final Fours and the 2012 national championship. While most of his success came early in his tenure—Calipari hasn't reached the Final Four since 2015—exiting a historical powerhouse like Kentucky for a lesser program in the same conference is unheard of.

Arkansas isn't even lavishing Calipari with an out-of-this-world contract. Pete Thamel and Jeff Borzello of ESPN reported Calipari's base salary will be slightly less than his $8.5 million annual salary at Kentucky, though it will contain incentives that would pay him more.

Even if Calipari entered next season on the proverbial hot seat, he was under contract through 2028-29 and would have been due a huge lump payment if he was sent packing.

Whoever winds up coaching Kentucky will have the unfortunate task of filling his massive shoes while also having to face him in the same conference.