March 26, 2009

INDIANAPOLIS (WVLT/AP) -- Louisville coach Rick Pitino responded to questions Thursday regarding his interest in the Kentucky head coach job.

His response included a surprising tidbit: Pitino considered the Providence job last year.

"The only job I even though about for a 24-hour period...is Providence College last year," Pitino said. "I wanted to sit down with them and talk about the job because of personal reasons that were very deep to me."

"Outside of that, for eight years I haven't thought about any job except the University of Louisville."

Pitino did not specifically address the Kentucky job. Wildcats coach Billy Gillispie is on the hotseat and there's a chance he will be fired within the coming days.

Gillispie addressed his job situation Thursday on his coaches' show on WKYT-TV.

"Anytime you work for somebody you're at their mercy," Gillispie said. "Everyone has the right to make decisions.

"Anytime you're working for another man you're at their mercy. That's where it is with me -- I have no idea."

Gillispie's Wildcats lost to Notre Dame Wednesday in the NIT quarterfinals. It's the first time Kentucky has missed the NCAA Tournament since the probation-marred 1990-91 season.

In Gillispie's two years in Lexington, fans and media members have criticized his public demeanor, irregular substitution patterns, and -- of course -- his 40-27 win-loss record.

Speculation has grown in recent weeks about Gillispie's job security and university president Lee Todd said recently he would evaluate the program after the season.

Kentucky center Patrick Patterson expressed his support for Gillispie following the Notre Dame loss and said he plans to return for his junior season.