Kentucky assistant Orlando Antigua takes USF head coach job

Cassandra Negley

Kentucky assistant Orlando Antigua takes USF head coach job image

Orlando Antigua stayed all four years and is now moving on to bigger things.

Kentucky's assistant coach spent five years coaching under John Calipari — four at Kentucky —and has accepted now accepted a vacant head coaching position.   

South Florida had a coach lined up, but Steve Masiello didn't receive a degree from the school he said he had received a degree from. Oddly enough, that school was the University of Kentucky. 

Antigua has also worked at Pittsburgh, his alma mater. He's known for his recruiting skills, bringing in four straight top-ranking recruiting classes. 

Antigua will stay with the team through the Final Four run. A press conference is expected Tuesday, per CBSSports.com.

UPDATE, 10:35 p.m.: USF announced the hiring later Monday.

"I said from the beginning of this search, we were looking for a great leader, a great communicator, a proven record of being able to recruit and develop players, and someone who will represent USF with exceptional energy and integrity," USF athletic director Mark Harlan said in a statement released by the school.

"We have found all of that and more in Orlando Antigua," Harlan added. "He has tremendous passion and a unique and exciting background that includes being a key participant in one of the most successful recent runs in the college game."

Cassandra Negley