Kentucky men’s basketball coach John Calipari confirmed reports that he’s leaving the Wildcats in a video posted on X on Tuesday.
“The last few weeks, we’ve come to realize that this program probably needs to hear another voice, that the university as a whole has to have another voice giving guidance about this program that they hear,” Calipari said, referencing his wife Ellen. “And the fans need to hear another voice. We’ve loved it here, but we think it’s time for us to step away — and step away completely from the program.”
A message to #BBN: pic.twitter.com/TG344ipTfZ
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) April 9, 2024
Calipari said he and his family are discussing other opportunities that have been presented to him.
On Sunday, The Athletic reported Calipari, who has been with Kentucky for 15 seasons, was nearing a massive deal to leave the Wildcats and become Arkansas’ coach.
During his tenure, Calipari led the Wildcats to seven Elite Eights, four Final Fours and the 2012 national title. He was under contract with Kentucky through the 2028-29 season — but he does not owe the school a buyout for leaving early.
“This is a dream job. It was my dream job,” Calipari said. “Anybody in our profession looks at the University of Kentucky in basketball and says, ‘That is the bluest of blue.’”
This story will be updated.
(Photo: Tim Nwachukwu / Getty Images)
