Former Villanova HC Jay Wright isn't biting at possible Kentucky job

Jay Wright would be a very intriguing name for the Kentucky Wildcats as they could look to replace John Calipari, who is expected to soon officially leave Lexington and become the head coach at Arkansas.

Wright is a two-time national champion head coach who holds a 642-282 record over 28 years. Yes, he retired after taking Villanova to the Final Four in 2021-22, but a program such as Kentucky could sway Wright out of retirement, right?

Not so fast, actually.

Wright was asked about the gig on the national championship pregame show by Kenny Smith. Anything can happen, of course, but the 63-year-old played politics with the answer.

“Well, I appreciate that Kenny and I am so happy doing this,” Wright said, per On3 . “I’m telling you right now. I like being Kenny’s coach. Even thought I’m not Chuck’s coach yet. I haven’t earned that yet. I’ve haven’t earned that yet. But I love being Kevin’s coach and I say this. Chuck, to your point about John running his course....What John Calipari has done in Kentucky, it’s not just the recruiting, the Final Fours, it’s getting guys to the NBA, taking care of their families. It’s their big blue Midnight Madness, having Drake come in, having the top recruits in the country every single year. That program is known worldwide.”

While that does sound a bit like Wright could be buttering up Kentucky, it's worth noting that Seth Davis asked the longtime head coach for a firm know, and Wright was happy to oblige.

“Yes, yes,” Wright said. “Told ya, I’m Kenny’s coach.”