NBA insider Shams Charania has reported that after 15 seasons with Kentucky, John Calipari is in advanced negotiations to become the new head coach of the University of Arkansas Razorbacks.
Calipari’s potential move to Arkansas comes as a surprise, considering his “lifetime” contract agreement with Kentucky in April 2019, which included a 10-year coaching extension and a lifetime paid ambassadorship upon retirement.
The Kentucky Wildcats finished the 2023-2024 season with a 23–10 record, falling short in the first round of the NCAA tournament with a loss to Oakland.
Meanwhile, the Arkansas Razorbacks finished this season with a 16–17 record, falling short of March Madness qualification with a 6–12 SEC conference record.
If the deal goes through, Calipari’s move to Arkansas will undoubtedly shake up the college basketball landscape and signal a new era for the Razorbacks program.
