Well, unfortunately for Gillispie - and maybe fortunately for Southwest - he seems to be back on the market, just in case the airline ever decides to bring back that commercial series some day.

Yep, even after overcoming a miserable non-conference performance last season to finish second in the SEC East and earn a trip to the NCAA Tournament, Kentucky found itself in a familiar situation in Lexington Friday night when the Wildcats were once again embarrassed in front of their home faithful.

In what was just as bad as losing to Gardner-Webb by 17 at Rupp Arena last year, Gillispie's team played right into the hands of Duggar Baucom and the running-and-gunning VMI, losing to the Keydets in a 111-103 shootout that saw the Wildcats commit 25 turnovers, including 13 in the first 11 minutes of the game, despite a 39-point performance from Jodie Meeks.

"It's always damaging when you lose," Meeks said. "This team doesn't have a lack of confidence."

But still, it's VMI.

Yes, V-M-I.

That's Virginia Military Institute for those of you who don't know what the school's letters happen to stand for, and I'm not judging because most people that have been following sports for the last 15-20 years like myself might not even know that. 

What Gillisipie, for one, does know is that the Wildcats have an assortment of flaws this season that they might not be able to fix right away.

"We didn't pay attention to the details and missed assignments," he explained afterward. "I attribute this loss mostly to lack of leadership."

And if it continues, Gillispie might be enduring another loss: his job.

After all, how many bad losses can he orchestrate before Kentucky fans start calling for his head like they did with Tubby just two years ago?

Don't get me wrong. Kentucky fans have every right to expect the most out of Gillispie and his players, and right now they certainly aren't getting their fair end of the stick.

And even for those GIllispie fans out there, it's really plain and simple.

Because there's no way the all-time winningest college basketball program should be losing games, let alone at home, to programs like Gardner-Webb and VMI.

It's inexcusable.

But maybe that's what Kentucky has become these days - just a second-rate college basketball program.

Or maybe Gillispie can right the ship once again this season and keep Wildcat fans happy for another year.

It's a slippery slope to tread, especially with arguably the most loyal fan base in the country and with an administration that has expectations most other schools aren't entitled to have.

So before Gillispie knows it, he just might be signing up to "get away" if things can't work their way out over the next five months.

To check out my latest power rankings, click here.