Report: Kentucky targeting Baylor's Drew for coaching vacancy

Kentucky is targeting Baylor coach Scott Drew to replace John Calipari, sources told Adam Zagoria of nj.com.

The two sides are currently in talks, Zagoria added.

Calipari stepped down from the Wildcats earlier Tuesday after Kentucky was eliminated in the opening round of March Madness by No. 14 Oakland. He's reportedly expected to sign a five-year deal to become the next coach of Arkansas.

"We're appreciative of John Calipari leading our program for the last 15 years, adding to the legacy of championship success at Kentucky," said athletics director Mitch Barnhart. "We're grateful to John for his many contributions to the university and our state, both on and off the court."

Barnhart added: "We are working diligently to hire a proven, highly dedicated coach who embraces the importance of this program to our fans and the state of Kentucky."

Drew has spent 21 years with Baylor, going 446-244. He helped lead the Bears to the program's lone NCAA Championship in 2021.

Former Florida coach and current Chicago Bulls bench boss Billy Donovan, a potential target, is focused on his team's ongoing campaign, a source told Zagoria.

When asked about the Kentucky vacancy, Donovan said he hasn't been contacted by the school, according to Fred Katz of The Athletic. If the Wildcats did contact him, he said he'd tell them, "I am committed here."