Kentucky’s search to find a replacement for men’s basketball coach John Calipari will no longer include Scott Drew. The longtime Baylor coach is staying with the Bears after discussions with the Wildcats, a person familiar with the matter told USA TODAY Sports. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the decision has not been announced publicly.
Drew released a statement on social media Thursday that reaffirmed his commitment to Baylor.
“In our program, we strive to put Jesus first, then others, then ourselves,” the statement said. “We truly believe that God has called my family and I to continue our work here at Baylor, surrounded by the best people and community one could be blessed to have. We are grateful for the support of (athletic director ) Mack Rhoades, President (Linda ) Livingstone and the entire Baylor family, and we look forward to working together to bring more championships to Waco.”
Drew was hired by Baylor in 2003, with the program reeling after the firing of coach Dave Bliss, with the school embroiled in an NCAA investigation sparked by the murder of player Patrick Dennehy by teammate Carlton Dotson. Drew was forced to rebuild the program from the ground up with sanctions including a multi-year playoff ban, a limited game schedule and significant scholarship cuts.
Drew has a record of 446-244 with 12 NCAA Tournament appearances at Baylor, but did not have a winning season until the Bears made the tournament in 2008. It was their first appearance since 1988 .They would go to the Elite Eight. two seasons later and again in 2012. Baylor made its first trip to the Final Four in 51 years when it reached the national semifinals in 2021. The Bears defeated Gonzaga to win its first national title that season . They have been eliminated in the second round the last three seasons.
His decision to trade Kentucky means the Wildcats position remains open with uncertainty over the current roster. There are decisions that must be made by current players and an incoming class that is among the best in the country. Rob Dillingham, who declared for the NBA draft, and Aaron Bradshaw, who entered the transfer portal before Calipari announced his departure from school on Tuesday, are already gone.
Calipari went 410-123 during his time at Kentucky, winning a national title in 2012 and reaching four Final Fours. He was introduced Wednesday as Arkansas’ new coach.