Several sources throughout Kentucky and Minnesota are reporting that Kentucky head coach Tubby Smith has stepped down as the Wildcats coach and will be joining the University of Minnesota’s Golden Gophers as head basketball coach.
USA Today picked up a story from the Courier Journal claiming that Tubby
Smith has already resigned while other sources say that officials from the
University of Minnesota have asked permission to speak with Smith and that Smith
was there now in negotiations.
Lexington's WKYT-TV interrupted programming around 3:00 PM. Thursday afternoon to report Smith called a team meeting with his club less than an hour earlier and informed them he would be leaving the team and taking on a new role as head coach with the Golden Gophers.
Several news sources in both Minnesota and Kentucky have picked up on the story.
The
Detroit Free Press has also announced the report as a resignation.
Kentucky released a statement at 4:30 p.m.
"The Athletics Director at the University of Minnesota contacted Mitch Barnhart
this morning to ask permission to talk with Tubby Smith regarding the position
of head basketball coach," the statement read. "Coach Smith confirmed that his
agent had been in discussions with Minnesota.
"Coach Smith met with his staff and team this afternoon. The Associated Press is
reporting that the University of Minnesota is confirming the appointment of
Coach Smith to their program. However Coach Smith has not confirmed with UK
officials that he has taken the job. We will provide additional statements as it
is appropriate."
Stay tuned to Kentucky Sports Report for details.
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