Chris O'meara / AP

Billy Gillispie went 40-27 in two seasons with Kentucky, including a 22-14 mark this year that tied for the second-most losses in the program’s 106-year history. A stumble down the stretch left the Wildcats out of the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1991.

Barnhart said the problem wasn’t Gillispie’s won-loss record but his seeming refusal to do the other things associated with being the head coach at the state’s flagship institution.

“(Gillispie) spoke to things that were not in his job description, just about winning and losing and improving,” Barnhart said. “This program is bigger than that. There’s much more to it than that.”

Gillispie met with players Friday afternoon but did not address reporters as he walked to a vehicle outside the player dormitories.

Gillispie appeared to sense a change could be forthcoming. When asked if he expected to be back following at season-ending loss to Notre Dame on Wednesday, Gillispie said the decision wasn’t up to him.

“You’re asking the wrong guy,” he said. “All I know is to go to work, recruit, coach and that’s what I did, that’s what I’ve done and that’s what I’ll continue to do.”

Gillispie arrived at Kentucky with great fanfare to replace Smith two years ago. Hundreds of supporters crowded the floor of Memorial Coliseum during a pep rally — one with a sign that read “Billy G: Our Savior” — following a whirlwind negotiation that was sealed in the middle of the night at Barnhart’s house.

The coach who engineered turnarounds at UTEP and Texas A&M was heralded by one of college basketball’s most ardent fan bases, who were won over by Gillispie’s notorious work ethic and homespun demeanor.

Gillispie said at the time he knew what he was getting into. How could he not? The practice floor at the Joe Craft Center where he held his introductory press conference was lined with banners highlighting Kentucky’s seven national titles.

“I like expectations,” he said that day. “My most favorite year (at Texas A&M) was (2007) when we had pressure. And that expectation, it either drives you or it diminishes your ability, and my ability isn’t diminished by expectations.”

The honeymoon, however, was seemingly over before it began.

Kentucky recovered from the loss to Gardner-Webb to make the NCAAs last year. That streak ended this year after the Wildcats imploded down the stretch despite having two of the SEC’s best players in Jodie Meeks and Patrick Patterson.

The losses and Gillispie’s somewhat sarcastic demeanor prevented him from connecting with some of the 20,000-plus assistant coaches who packed Rupp Arena every fall, some of whom waited anxiously next to a radio table following home games hoping to get a glimpse, a handshake or an autograph from the state’s highest paid and mostly highly visible employee.

A sometimes prickly relationship with the media didn’t help matters. A couple of run-ins with a female TV reporter during brief halftime interviews this year struck some as inappropriate, and Gillispie could be contentious at times.

He claimed he wasn’t hired to be a celebrity, but to win games. He struggled at both, at least by Kentucky standards.

More news

Mark J. Terrill / AP

Gordon reacted to article right way

CBT: Drew Gordon is taking a different approach to SI's UCLA article than Reeves Nelson, one much more likely to result in hearing his name called come NBA draft day.

Former Indiana coach Watson dies at 88

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP) - Former Indiana coach and player Lou Watson has died at the age of 88.

Headlines

• Label

CBT: Cincinnati, Xavier to continue rivalry

CBT: 4 Indiana schools extend Crossroads Classic

CBT: Stony Brook says it's staying put ... for now

CBT: Will Michigan re-hang the Fab Five banners?

CBT: Is the new early entry deadline working?

CBT: Fine's wife to sue ESPN for libel

CBT: Coach K gets a lot of bucks and bennies

CBT: ACC will include all 14 teams in tournament