UK Stealing a Spartan Heart or Changing a Tiger's Stripes?

The Kentucky Wildcats are looking for their third coach in four years. So it's safe to say that things aren't going to well in the bluegrass. The top two candidates on most lists are Michigan State's Tom Izzo and Memphis' John Calipari.

So who is the better choice?

Tom Izzo is currently in the Final Four, which makes this his fifth trip during his tenure in Lansing. He's also got a national title on his resume. His teams play lock-down defense and he gets the most from all of his players.  Izzo is also less likely to come to Lexington.

Izzo is a legend at Michigan State. He gets paid very well and will probably never have to worry about his job.  He is also close friends with Tubby Smith, a guy who UK ran out of town despite all his 20 win seasons, numerous SEC titles, oh yeah and a national title. Izzo has his family settled in Michigan, which is another snag. 

Izzo is a terrific coach but one who is very happy where he is.

John Calipari's Memphis Tigers were a two seed this year. A year where they lost several key players from a national runner-up team. 

He also brings in top rated talent each season.  His teams press and love to run, something that many fans in Kentucky wish to see brought to their school.  Others still have their doubts though.

Calipari has been in hot water with the NCAA before.  Star player Marcus Camby took $28,000 from sports agents in 1996. The year when Calipari's UMass team made the Final Four. Other fans worry about the character of the athletes he attracts. 

They worry that graduation rates will drop and another probation may follow. Calipari has expressed interest in becoming UK's next coach.

As with any big time coaching job, other names have been linked to the job. Travis Ford, former UK player, Jay Wright at Villanova, Thad Matta at Ohio State and others.  Even with all those other names it should come down to winning the heart of a spartan or helping a tiger to change his stripes.