Scott Polacek @@ScottPolacek Featured Columnist IV April 9, 2024
Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images
John Calipari’s time as the head coach of the University of Kentucky men’s basketball team is officially over.
Calipari, who has been connected to Arkansas, released a video statement Tuesday in which he confirmed his exit from the Wildcats:
John Calipari @UKCoachCalipari A message to #BBN: pic.twitter.com/TG344ipTfZ
“This program probably needs to hear another voice,” he said. “… We’ve loved it here, but we think it’s time for us to step away. And step away completely from the program. There have been opportunities that have been presented to us, and we’re discussing them as a family.”
He also thanked his players, staff members and the Kentucky fans for helping him find success with the Wildcats before he ended the video by saying, “you know I’m always going to be a fan. Thank you.”
Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart confirmed the exit as well while thanking Calipari for his 15 years as the head coach:
Mitch Barnhart @UKMitchBarnhart We’re appreciative of John Calipari leading our program for the last 15 years, adding to the legacy of championship success at Kentucky. We’re grateful to John for his many contributions to the University, and our state, both on and off the court.
There was a time when Calipari leaving Kentucky for any college basketball job would have been completely shocking. After all, the Wildcats were the gold standard of the sport for extended stretches of his tenure, which included the 2012 national championship, four Final four appearances, six SEC regular-season titles and six SEC tournament championships.
However, things have grown somewhat stale of late.
Kentucky’s last SEC title came during the 2019-20 campaign, and its last conference tournament championship came during the 2017-18 season. What’s more, the program hasn’t been to the Sweet 16 since 2019 and lost in the first round of the NCAA tournament in shocking fashion to 15th-seeded Saint Peter’s in 2022 and 14th-seeded Oakland this past season.
His job status was a topic of conversation after the loss to the Golden Grizzlies, and it seems like he is now headed to Arkansas.
The Razorbacks have an opening because Eric Musselman departed for USC, which was only open because Andy Enfield left for SMU.
ESPN’s Pete Thamel and Jeff Borzello reported Sunday that Calipari was “finalizing a five-year deal” with Arkansas that would pay him “an overall base salary of slightly less than the $8.5 million he’s making at Kentucky.”
Yet the contract could ultimately be worth more than his previous one with the Wildcats if he hits various incentives.
Wildcats fans likely won’t welcome Calipari back with open arms the first time his Arkansas team visits Rupp Arena, but he was still appreciative of them in the video he released.
