After Georgia’s SEC Tournament quarterfinal loss to Kentucky on Friday, Mark Fox was asked about his job security going forward.
As expected, the Bulldogs’ coach wasn’t ready to go down that road just yet.
“My entire focus, as I said before the tournament, was on trying to get these kids some wins and trying to make sure that they have the most incredible season they could have,” Fox said. “We left like we could come in the tournament and win it, and we knew that the fatigue eventually would be something we’d have to overcome.”
“And we’ve been 100 percent focused on that and solely on that.”
Georgia’s loss ended any hopes that the team had of making this year’s NCAA Tournament, with the Bulldogs finishing the season with an 18-15 record.
Fox has led Georgia to four seasons of 20 or more wins and two tournament appearances in his nine seasons as head coach. But that lack of postseason success has led many to believe that the school could decide to go in a different direction this offseason.
Another recent development that could affect the decision is Georgia losing 5-star commit Ashton Hagans, who decommitted in late February.
As for when the decision on Fox’s future could be made, there’s no way of knowing for sure right now.
“I’m sure that Greg and I will meet at some point and have conversations about how to continue to improve and grow our program,” Fox said. “I’m not sure when those conversations will occur.”
One person that hasn’t been shy about his thoughts on Fox’s future is Kentucky head coach John Calipari.
And once again, he made his opinion known after his team’s win over the Bulldogs.
“Everybody that’s watched us play against each, they’ve all been wars,” Calipari said after the game. “I know how good a coach he is. I know what he’s doing with young kids. He’s doing it the right way. He’s a great guy.”
“You know, in a way, and I told him this prior to the game. I said, I’d love for you to beat us and get two more and squelch all that crap. It’s nuts in our profession.”
Calipari then drew attention to the recent FBI investigation into college basketball and why Georgia may still be in a good situation despite Fox’s critics.
“Let’s just hope that Georgia looks at this and looks at a bigger picture and says, you know what it’s in good hands,” Calipari said. “There’s a lot of stuff going on out there, stuff that’s not going on at Georgia.”
“They’re in good hands. That has to mean something.”
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