John Calipari has finally spoken out about his looming Kentucky Wildcats exit. A couple of days after news first broke that he was on his way out in favor of a move to the Arizona Razorbacks, the one-time NCAA champion coach has now confirmed the reports.
Calipari took to Twitter to announce his decision to step down as Kentucky’s head coach while also sending a heartfelt farewell message to the program as well as to the UK faithful.
Kentucky Wildcats News: John Calipari Officially Announces Departure
Calipari posted a near-four-minute video message on Twitter on Tuesday to make it all official. In it, the 65-year-old spoke about the difficult decision he’s had to come to with his wife Ellen and the rest of his family. According to Calipari, it’s going to be tough leaving his “dream job.”
“In the last few weeks, we’ve come to realize that this program probably needs to hear another voice,” he said. “The University as a whole has to have another voice giving guidance about this program that they hear. 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.”
Calipari appears to have acknowledged Kentucky’s shortcomings over the past few years under his watch. The Wildcats have underperformed significantly over the past few seasons, which includes another early exit in this year’s March Madness at the hands of Jack Gohlke and the Oakland Golden Grizzlies.
As he said, now is the right time for someone else to take over the helm.
John Calipari Touches on Reported Arkansas Move
Calipari did not confirm his move to Arkansas, though. He did admit that there are offers on the table — more than one, it turns out — which he is currently considering:
“There have been opportunities that have been presented to us, so we’re discussing them as a family,” he said.
Calipari ended his monologue by thanking everyone who has been involved with the program throughout the past decade and a half — from the players, their families, the University, and of course, the fans.
“It’s been a dream what we’ve been able to do,” he concluded. “But 15 years, time for another voice. And you know I’m always going to be a fan. Thank you.”
A message to #BBN: pic.twitter.com/TG344ipTfZ
— John Calipari (@CoachCalArk) April 9, 2024
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