Here comes a potential shakeup in the world of college hoops. Multiple outlets have reported Sunday that John Calipari, the longtime coach of the Kentucky Wildcats, is on the verge of leaving the program to take the head coaching job at the University of Arkansas.
Sources say that Arkansas officials have been in talks with Calipari about the vacant position, and ESPN reports that the Hall of Fame coach is finalizing a five-year deal with the Razorbacks. This news comes as a shock to many, especially since Kentucky’s athletic director, Mitch Barnhart, recently stated that Calipari would return to the team despite calls for his firing after the Wildcats’ third straight early exit from the NCAA Tournament.
The pressure has been mounting on Calipari after Kentucky, a No. 3 seed, was upset by 14th-seeded Oakland in the first round of March Madness this year. This latest disappointment follows a string of tournament letdowns, including a second-round loss last year and a stunning defeat to 15th-seeded Saint Peter’s in 2022.
Critics have described Calipari’s reliance on “one and done” freshmen and the team’s defensive weaknesses as reasons for their postseason struggles. Under the terms of his lifetime contract signed in 2019, firing Calipari would have triggered a massive $33 million buyout. However, there is no buyout if he leaves for another job.
During his 15 seasons at Kentucky, Calipari has amassed an impressive 410-122 record, including the 2012 national championship and three other Final Four appearances. His teams have made the tournament 12 times during his tenure.
As the college basketball world eagerly awaits official confirmation of Calipari’s move to Arkansas, fans and analysts alike are speculating about the future of both programs. Will Calipari be able to revive the Razorbacks and lead them to glory? And who will step up to fill the void left by this coaching legend at Kentucky?
The Associated Press contributed to this article.