The John Calipari era is over in Kentucky.
Calipari announced Tuesday that he is retiring as the Wildcats’ head basketball coach after 15 seasons and making another early exit from the NCAA Tournament. This comes two days after ESPN reported that he was in talks to become the next coach at the University of Arkansas.
“After our season ended, [my wife] Ellen and I have spent a lot of time reminiscing about our time here in Kentucky. What that means to us, the friends we’ve made,” Calipari said in the video, where he recalled his program’s four Final Four appearances and the 2012 NCAA Championship. .
“It’s been a great time for us. This was a dream job and my dream job.”
Calipari did not reveal his next move, but explained that the time has come for Kentucky basketball to have a new voice as head coach.
“Anyone in our profession will look at Kentucky basketball and say, ‘That’s the bluest of blue,'” he says. “In recent weeks, we’ve learned that maybe this program needs to hear another voice, the entire university needs to hear another voice guiding this program, and the fans need to hear another voice, too. I noticed that there is.
“We’ve loved what we’ve been doing here, but we think it’s time to step away from the program and step away completely. Opportunities have been presented to us and we’ve talked about them as a family. I love coaching. And I love coaching young people. What about this year’s team? I loved walking every day. They gave me energy. I love chasing championships. I I love bringing kids together. It’s my job and who I am.”
Calipari went on to thank the players he has had the privilege of coaching, their families, staff and fans, as well as the children for their trust in him.
“Until the wheels break, I’m forever indebted and I think we all know that…What we’ve accomplished so far has been a dream. After 15 years, it’s time for a new voice. “And you know I’ll always be a fan,” he said.
ESPN reported On Sunday, Calipari and Arkansas signed a five-year contract with a base salary of just under $8.5 million.
On Monday, the Hall of Fame coach was asked if he had a message for fans while walking his dog outside, but he declined to comment.
“No, I’m not. I’m walking the dog right now.” Calipari told WKYT.
Calipari led the Wildcats to a 410-123 record during his time at Kentucky.
