It’s been less than a month since Kentucky coach John Calipari reaffirmed his commitment to Wildcats fans, but it now appears that perhaps it wasn’t as firm a commitment as it seemed.
Arkansas’ coaching search took a surprising turn as multiple reports surfaced linking Calipari to the Razorbacks’ vacant position.
The legendary college basketball coach and Arkansas State have signed Calipari to a five-year contract to take over as the program’s next head coach. ESPN reported late Sunday night.
The deal is expected to be completed within the next 24 hours, the media outlet said.
Calipari has discussed the job with school officials, CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander reported. Calipari reportedly reported to Kentucky. He is reportedly in talks with Arkansas State.
Calipari’s contract with Kentucky states that if he discusses other job opportunities at other schools, and that Arkansas’ major donors are “prepared to make a big commitment to bringing Cal to Arkansas,” If there is, it stipulates that the school must be informed of that fact. Norlander reported.
The news comes as a surprise to Calipari, who had seemed intent on staying in Lexington despite a disappointing start to the NCAA Tournament.
Despite leading the school to a national title in 2012, Final Four appearances in 2011, 2014, and 2015, and 12 overall NCAA Tournament appearances, the Wildcats faithful have After being knocked out in the first round, he started to feel restless.
He and athletic director Mitch Barnhart confirm Calipari will return for a 16th season after Kentucky lost to No. 15 seed St. Peter’s in 2022 and No. 14 seed Oakland this year. Previously, there had been heavy speculation about his future with the program. .
“The standard for a national title hasn’t been since Coach Rupp.” Calipari said on his weekly radio show last month. after the Wildcats were eliminated from the tournament.
“There’s only one thing I want to say to all my fans: I’m going to work. That’s my promise to them. I love you. This is what I want. This is it. Together we can do something. Let’s do it.”
Calipari has no buyout obligation to the school if he ends his contract through the 2028-29 season early, and even if Kentucky waives him after this season, it will give him $33 million. You won’t have to pay.
The University of Arkansas is looking for a new coach to lead the program after Eric Musselman resigned last week to take over at USC.
