Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari has struggled to get his team over the hump when it has mattered most in the NCAA Tournament recently. And on Sunday night, he made the surprising decision to seek other opportunities, ending his lengthy tenure at Kentucky.
Over the last five seasons, Kentucky has gotten out of the first round of the NCAA Tournament just once. His teams have constantly found themselves susceptible to huge upsets in the big dance.
This has led to Calipari receiving large amounts of criticism from Kentucky’s fanbase, which may be something that he has resented a bit.
On Sunday night, ESPN’s Pete Thamel surprised everyone by reporting that Calipari has agreed to a five-year deal to become the new head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks, an SEC rival of Kentucky.
Sources: John Calipari is finalizing a five-year deal to become the next coach at Arkansas. The deal is expected to be completed in the next 24 hours.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) April 8, 2024
It’s a pretty shocking turn of events because of who Calipari will now be coaching, staying in the conference to regularly face off against Kentucky.
Naturally, fans had plenty to say about this news, taking to social media to offer their opinion on Calipari’s decision.
How crazy are videos like this to look back on?
What a difference 71 days can make…
John Calipari, set to become the 14th Head Men's Basketball Coach in Arkansas history. #WPS pic.twitter.com/M0FPrrbGNa
— Jacob Morris (@JacobMorrisTV) April 8, 2024
I’M EATING TYSON CHICKEN EVERY MEAL FOR THE NEXT SIXTH MONTHS
JOHN CALIPARI WELCOME TO FAYETTEVILLE pic.twitter.com/qiSx7LF5uv
— Will Whitson (@will_whitson2) April 8, 2024
John Calipari at Kentucky:
(2009-2024)– 2012 National Title💍
– 4 Final Fours
– Five 30+ win seasons
– Two 38-win seasons (most ever)
– 38-0 start in 2014-15
– 12 total SEC titles
– Founder of the One and Done era
– Most NBA players produced by farWhat an era.🐐 pic.twitter.com/QWiqIrAGZW
— College Basketball Report (@CBKReport) April 8, 2024
John Calipari and Bobby Petrino are technically coworkers now, lmao
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) April 8, 2024
Kentucky fans should be extremely appreciative for everything John Calipari has done. He picked up the program when it was stranded on the side of the road in 2009. But he's taken it as far as he can. And that's okay.
— Chris Fisher (@ChrisFisher247) April 8, 2024
Prior to Sunday, there were pretty much no rumors around of Arkansas even having an interest in Calipari. This obviously begs the question. What drove Calipari to leave Kentucky?
Well, Fox college basketball insider John Fanta offered a bit of insight on that front, detailing that sources close to Calipari say that he had “bad feelings” about his situation at Kentucky and felt like he had a “lack of support”.
Sources close to John Calipari say he had bad feelings about his situation at Kentucky, and that the lack of support had grown to the point where he didn’t feel like he could stay on because he didn’t feel wanted. The assets Arkansas put in place convinced him to make this move.
— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) April 8, 2024
Regardless, Calipari now has a new home with the Razorbacks. And it will be extremely interesting to see what he can do with his new program.
