The search for John Calipari's replacement as Kentucky's head basketball coach is officially underway, with Scott Drew set to meet with school officials.

Per CBS Sports' Jon Rothstein, Drew is expected to meet with the Wildcats "in the near future."

Calipari was officially announced as the new head coach at Arkansas on Wednesday. Even though his departure from Kentucky seemed to come out of nowhere, the school was aware of his interest in the Razorbacks.

Dick Gabriel of UK Sports Network (h/t Austin Curtright of the USA Today Network) reported Calipari gave Kentucky officials an opportunity to match his offer from Arkansas, but they decided to let him leave after 15 seasons.

Drew is one of several candidates who have been linked to Kentucky since news of Calipari's departure broke.

Matt Jones of Ky Sports Radio cited Drew, Dan Hurley and Billy Donovan as people Kentucky will contact to gauge their interest.

Hurley, who is fresh off winning a second straight national title at Connecticut, has said he's not interested in leaving his current job.

Basketball insider Jeff Goodman noted he would be "surprised" if Donovan, who is currently head coach of the Chicago Bulls, has any interest in returning to the college game.

Per Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic, Donovan's job with the Bulls is considered safe as they have clinched a spot in the play-in tournament.

Alabama's Nate Oats was also expected to receive interest, but he issued a statement announcing he intends to remain where he is.

The Athletic reported on Monday that Drew would be the top choice of Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart.

Drew has spent 21 of his 22 seasons as a head coach at Baylor. He took over the program in August 2003 after Dave Bliss resigned amid the scandal that was uncovered following the disappearance and death of former player Patrick Dennehy.

The Bears have made the NCAA tournament in 12 of the past 17 seasons, including winning the national title during the 2020-21 campaign.

Drew is Baylor's all-time leader in games coached (690), wins (446) and NCAA tournament appearances (12).