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The John Calipari era has come to an end in Lexington.
Around midnight it was reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel that the three-time Naismith Coach of the Year was finalizing a five-year deal to take a job at SEC rival Arkansas.
But according to Matt Norlander of CBS Sports, Calipari also had interest in a different school out of the Big Ten.
Writes Norlander: “John Calipari leaving Kentucky has been on the table going back to February, sources tells CBS Sports. He privately expressed significant/serious interest in the Ohio State job but the timing wasn’t right, per source. Arkansas coming available was a dream shot out of Lexington.”
Calipari leaves Kentucky with a 410-123 record, four Final Four appearances and a national championship; while also sending countless players to the NBA.
Coach Cal’s biggest asks were reportedly assurances that his new program would accept transfers, an agreement that he could bring his incoming freshman class with him and a major commitment to NIL.
Things have definitely seemed off between Calipari and the Wildcats program for a little while now but it was still a pretty big shock to see the coach go out like this.
Official terms are expected to be agreed to today.