John Calipari steps down at Kentucky to become Arkansas head basketball coach
John Calipari, a Hall of Fame men’s college basketball coach, revealed on Tuesday that he is leaving his position at Kentucky and will take over as head coach at the University of Arkansas. During his 15 years at the University of Kentucky, Calipari guided the Wildcats to the 2012 national championship, four Final Fours, and seven Elite Eights.
“This is the work of my dreams. It was my ideal position. On social media on Tuesday, Calipari stated, “Anyone in our industry looks at the University of Kentucky in basketball and says that is the bluest of blue.” “We have realized over the past few weeks that this program most likely requires a different voice.”
Fans of Kentucky still hold grudges against John Calipari for leaving the school to go to Arkansas, despite the fact that his divorce from Kentucky seems inevitable. Few people anticipated a favorable reception when the former head coach of the Wildcats made his eagerly anticipated return to Rupp Arena as an opponent on Saturday. Although it was not surprising what transpired next, Rick Pitino, of all people, believed Kentucky fans would acknowledge Calipari’s
But with an unexpected victory for Arkansas 89-79, Calipari got the final laugh. D.J. Wagner, another former Wildcat who left Kentucky after Calipari, finished with 17 points and eight assists, while former Kentucky player Adou Thiero led the way with 21 points and eight rebounds.