Virginia athletic director Craig Littlepage shouldn't waste a phone call on Kentucky's Tubby Smith if that was his plan heading to St. Louis for the Final Four.
Smith isn't going anywhere.
Smith met with Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart on Tuesday morning and told the AD that he was committed to fulfilling the remaining six years of his contract, Kentucky spokesperson Scott Stricklin told ESPN.com.
Virginia hasn't officially asked for permission to speak with Smith, Stricklin said. But there have been a number of sources close to Virginia that said the Cavaliers wanted to make a run at Smith. The Wildcats have a strong nucleus returning next season, led by freshman point guard Rajon Rondo and center Randolph Morris.
The Cavaliers are searching for a replacement for Pete Gillen. Sources said they wanted to talk to Texas coach Rick Barnes, too, but haven't officially reached out to Barnes. Barnes has said he is staying with the Longhorns, but sources close to Barnes said he did discuss the job with friends but then realized he is secure and content with his gig in Austin.
Littlepage, who is on the NCAA Tournament selection committee and is busy with the tournament this week, likely will go to another list that could include DePaul's Dave Leitao and Notre Dame's Mike Brey, although neither has been officially contacted by Virginia yet.
Andy Katz is a senior writer at ESPN.com.