(LEX 18) — ESPN's Pete Thamel and many others are reporting that John Calipari is finalizing a deal to become the next head coach at Arkansas.
Sources told ESPN:
Calipari's contract is expected to have an overall base salary of slightly less than the $8.5 million he's making at Kentucky, sources told ESPN. However, the deal is expected to be incentive-laden with the ability to pass that number.
The report links Calipari's long relationship with John Tyson, one of Arkansas' biggest boosters, as a key driver of the move.
With Nick Wright of Herman’s Ribhouse. It’s my annual stop when in Fayetteville. Had dinner tonight with my longtime friend John Tyson. If you are anywhere close, it’s worth the drive!!! pic.twitter.com/Qd5Z8fX44i
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) February 26, 2022
Nothing has been announced by either Arkansas or Kentucky at this time, and Kentucky Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart has told CBS Sports that he has not yet heard from Calipari about any talks with Arkansas.
This is basically immaterial at this point, but just in keeping up with the cadence of the story/ we’ve hit midnight on the East Coast and Calipari still hasn’t contacted Kentucky, per Wildcats AD Mitch Barnhart.
— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) April 8, 2024
Less than two weeks ago, Calipari and Barnhart sat down with BBN Tonight and discussed their relationship, the future of Kentucky Basketball, and their desire to "exit" well.
Barnhart: "Not a lot of people in our industry... get to exit the way you want to exit. I want us to be able to exit well and be able to say we left it in a really good spot for the people that came behind us"
— Maggie Davis (@MaggieDavisTV) March 28, 2024
Calipari: "Make it future proof, everything's in order" #BBN pic.twitter.com/XkdUJw4NmT
Cal's overall record at UK is 410-122, which includes the 2012 national championship and three other appearances in the Final Four.
