* Billy Gillispie was fired at Kentucky because he was apparently not the “right fit.”  And if “fit” was really what Kentucky wanted right now, then maybe Rick Pitino’s recommendation of John Pelphrey or Travis Ford might be more relevant.

But the truth is, as a scathing editorial by the Lexington Herald-Leader’s Mark Story suggests, “fit” has nothing to do with the courting of John Calipari.  More like the desperate attempt of a school’s administration to sacrifice all (again) to win big (again).

Then, in 2007, Kentucky was seeking to fill it’s men’s basketball head coaching position. Which only happens to be one of the most high-profile jobs in all of American sports.

In filling this vital public relations-oriented job, UK’s background check failed to identify that it was offering the position to a prickly introvert (Billy Gillispie) prone to extreme mood swings.

Given the past performance, Dr. Todd, you’ll forgive me for being skeptical that the background check UK will run on John Calipari will actually ask the questions that need to be raised.

* Chris Low of ESPN.com has a nice write-up about D.J. Williams and his efforts during the offseason to become a more complete player.  With Andrew Davie gone, Williams has bulked back up from 235 pounds to nearly 250 in order to become a better blocker.  (Low reported previously that Williams was over 260 pounds at the end of the 2007 season.)

An interesting comment at the end of the article:

“It’s going to be very fun to watch next year,” Williams said. “Now we’re able to get into the meeting rooms and go over stuff, and it doesn’t sound like Chinese anymore. We’re able to add more complex things and get out there on the field and execute them. Everybody sees how well they’re working. Coach Petrino’s a great coach. The way he can break down a defense and build up an offense is amazing.”

Report: Broyles Offers Job To Gillispie

Report: Broyles Offers Job To Calipari

Altman Hired As Razorbacks Basketball Coach

Altman Returning To Creighton

Report: Tuberville Will Be Next Arkansas Coach

Report: Arkansas Negotiating With Bowden

And now:

Report: Grobe Will Be Next Arkansas Coach

Not Much Sizzle…But A Lot Of Steak

And the hits just keep on coming…

A&M interim president Eddie Davis says in an online story in the Bryan-College Station Eagle, “I talked to coach Gillispie this morning, and he told me as far as he’s concerned, he’s the coach at Texas A&M. That’s the end of the story for me.”

Gillispie is, indeed, the coach at A&M – and only if that were the end of the story.

But it’s not.

Folks in the athletic department, folks who work with Gillispie every day, softly chuckle at the reports.  There’s only one voice that matters, they say – and he’s not saying.  Not even to those who work for him and around him.

An assistant coach still wonders what Gillispie’s direction will be.  So does a player.  The coach hasn’t clued them in.  The athletic director, Bill Byrne, doesn’t really know, either, a growing point of consternation.

Also:

• Houston Chronicle: Aggies sweeten the pot for Gillispie
• Ryan Malashock: Not So Fast
• Alex Abrams: Bilas: Broyles Doesn’t Know What He’s Doing
• Scott Cain: Gillispie stays quiet about Arkansas job

Update 2:30 p.m. – Gillispie has now reportedly agreed to a new contract with A&M.

• San Antonio Express-News: Gillispie staying at A&M
• Ryan Malashock: Gillispie Intends To Stay At Texas A&M, Search Moves On

An advance copy of the Democrat-Gazette report was cited in an article that appeared on the San Antonio Express-News web site late Tuesday night:

“We could have a quick announcement,” Broyles told the Arkansas newspaper. “Or it could fall through. I’ve offered the job, and we’re waiting to hear.”

[...] “I have not talked to a single coach,” said Broyles, who retires at year’s end. “But the one I’m trying to get knows I want him to have the job.”

Asked how, Broyles said, “Through channels.”

Also:

• Dallas Morning News: A&M recruit told Gillispie is staying
• Houston Chronicle: A&M coach doesn’t comment on Arkansas rumors

Update 7:45 a.m. - The Democrat-Gazette article in now online.

• Scott Cain: Broyles makes offer, won’t say to whom
• AP: Broyles tells paper he’s offered basketball job

Update 12:10 p.m. – A&M officials have told the Houston Chronicle that Gillispie will reportedly accept a new contract offer and stay at College Station.

• Houston Chronicle: Officials: Gillispie will remain head coach at A&M

Update 5:30 p.m. – A&M University interim president says, “I talked to Coach Gillispie this morning and he told me that as far as he’s concerned, he’s the coach at Texas A&M.”

• The Bryan-College Station Eagle: Davis: Gillispie plans on staying at A&M

“I would never ever leave [Louisville] to go to another college because they’re my family.”

John Calipari:

“I have repeatedly stated that as long as [the university's] commitment remains strong, I will be the head coach at the University of Memphis.”

Bruce Pearl:

“[Tennessee] is where I want to be.  I want to be here as long as they’ll be happy with me here.”

Bill Self:

“We’re totally content where we are and we’re excited about the team we have coming back.”

Doc Sadler:

“I went to school at Arkansas and I wish them the best in their search for a new head coach, but I and my family are committed to the University of Nebraska and helping build this into a championship program.”

Billy Gillispie:

“No comment.”

Hmmm…reporters stake out “BCG” for five hours on Monday night and get a nod and a “no comment” using the ol’ cell phone trick.

Apparently, though, that cell phone isn’t working when reporters try to call it.  (And the A&M athletic director’s phone didn’t seem to be working yesterday, either.  Tom Izzo’s phone, however, is definitely working.)

To quote a message board poster, it’s obvious that “this ain’t his first rodeo.”

Or, as Churchill once said, “‘No comment’ is a splendid expression.  I am using it again and again.”