Report: John Calipari Gave Kentucky Chance to Match Arkansas Contract, Was Rejected | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors
John Calipari's decision to move to the University of Arkansas didn't seem to be a significant issue for decision-makers at Kentucky.
Per Dick Gabriel of NewsRadio 630 WLAP in Lexington (h/t Tyler Thompson of On3.com), Kentucky turned down an offer from Calipari to match the offer he received from Arkansas:
"Calipari, going into that meeting with Mitch Barnhart, didn't have much leverage. Mitch had the leverage. But now, when you've got somebody else in your corner who is a viable candidate for your services. I mean, if it was a junior college that came to hire him, no, but this is Arkansas. Powerful school with deep, deep pockets and all kinds of booster money out there. Tyson chicken and Wal-Mart. They come in and say, we want you and we'll do what it takes to get you. That's leverage.
"Calipari, as I'm told, said, here's what it's going to take to keep me and UK said, I don't think so. As I understand it, now if the deal isn't done, it's going to be done. You have a fanbase that is unhappy, an institution that is not satisfied with what's been happening. You've got another school that would be happy to have him. When you factor in the fans, this might be a win-win-win if such a thing is possible. That all depends, of course, on who Kentucky hires if and when Calipari does leave."
Matt Norlander of CBS Sports reported the meeting between Calipari and two Kentucky administrators took place on Monday, with the "clear" messaging from Kentucky's side being there was "no salvaging" things between the two sides.
Matt Norlander @MattNorlanderCalipari did meet with two UK administrators at his house yesterday, sources told CBS Sports. One source briefed on those conversations said the messaging from UK's end was clear in that there was no salvaging matters, if ever there was a desire to anyway. Time to split.
Calipari stunned the college basketball world on Sunday night by agreeing to a five-year deal to leave Kentucky and become the head coach at Arkansas.
In a video posted on X, Calipari confirmed his departure from Kentucky:
John Calipari @UKCoachCalipariA message to <a href="">#BBN</a>: <a href="">
ESPN's Pete Thamel and Jeff Borzello noted Calipari's $8.5 million base salary will be slightly less than what he was making at Kentucky, but he can surpass that amount with a number of incentives built into his new contract.
The Wildcats gave Calipari a 10-year extension in June 2019 through the 2028-29 season that included $86 million in total compensation. It was regarded as a "lifetime contract" for the now-65-year-old.
According to Thamel and Borzello, Kentucky isn't on the hook for any money still owed to Calipari if he were to be hired by another program.
Calipari's initial flirtation with Arkansas wasn't a surprise to Kentucky because his contract required him to inform the school if he engaged with another program about a job interview.
Eric Musselman left Arkansas last week to become the new head coach at USC. He went 111-59 with three tournament appearances in five seasons with the Razorbacks.
Calipari's tenure with the Wildcats has been marred by a lot of recent disappointment. They haven't advanced beyond the first weekend of the NCAA tournament since reaching the Elite Eight in the 2018-19 season.
Kentucky has lost in the first round as a top-three seed twice in the past three seasons, including an 80-76 defeat to Oakland on March 21.
Calipari went 410-123 with six SEC conference tournament titles, four Final Four appearances and a national title in 2011-12 in 15 seasons at Kentucky.
