UCLA is still looking for a new men’s basketball coach. The Bruins have struck out with a number of candidates, most recently Rick Barnes.

Barnes announced tonight that he was turning down the Bruins’ reported offer in order to remain at Tennessee. He is the latest coach to remove his name from the search.

UCLA came into this search pipe-dreaming about Tony Bennett and John Calipari. Bennett was never a realistic option and Calipari reportedly turned UCLA down and picked up a lifetime deal from Kentucky.

The Bruins have also missed out on Jamie Dixon and now Barnes, which led to Dick Vitale calling the program out on Twitter tonight. Dickie V didn’t hold back.

“Just heard good news for @Vol_Hoops as Rick Barnes is staying & has rec’d a new deal from Tennessee. . Many thought he was going to UCLA . That search is becoming embarrassing,” he said.

Just heard good news for @Vol_Hoops as Rick Barnes is staying & has rec’d a new deal from Tennessee. . Many thought he was going to UCLA . That search is becoming embarrassing — Dick Vitale (@DickieV) April 9, 2019

Vitale is a huge Rick Pitino supporter, and there have been a number of media members suggesting that UCLA should look at the former Louisville and Kentucky coach. It may seem insane, but at a deeper glance, it makes some sense.

Pitino has a shady reputation and has run afoul of the NCAA, but his past isn’t checkered because he allowed players to commit heinous acts, a la Art Briles. If UCLA hired him, the negative press would last a few days and there would be plenty of jokes, but the Bruins would definitely become relevant again on the court under Pitino.