The Kentucky Wildcats are in need of a new basketball coach with John Calipari reportedly heading to Arkansas.
On Monday morning, SEC Network host Paul Finebaum pointed out a name that fans should keep an eye on as a strong option to replace Calipari at Kentucky.
Finebaum thinks Alabama head coach Nate Oats could become a big factor in the Kentucky search.
"The one you have to keep your eye on, we just saw SEC to SEC (coaching change), keep your eye on Nate Oats," said Finebaum. "He just took Alabama to Final Four for the first time in history."
Finebaum noted that the only issue with hiring Oats is that he just received a new contract from Alabama. And his new buyout is around $20 million.
Though as Finebaum pointed out, Kentucky saved $33 million by not having to pay Calipari's buyout (since they didn't have to fire him). So even if they have to pay the $20 million buyout to hire Oats, they will still have saved $13 million total with Arkansas hiring Calipari.
If Oats becomes Kentucky's top target, it's hard to see him staying in Tuscaloosa. The Kentucky job is in a different stratosphere than the Alabama job.
Oats is one of the best coaches in the sport and he would have Kentucky instantly back in the mix for national championships if he heads north for Lexington.
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