John Calipari Announces He’s Leaving Kentucky in Long Video Filmed From His Couch

Kristen Wong | Apr 9, 2024

Screengrab on Twitter/ @UKCoachCalipari

John Calipari bid farewell to Kentucky’s basketball program in very strange fashion on Tuesday.

The former Wildcats coach posted a video on his X account (formerly Twitter) announcing his decision to part ways with Kentucky after 15 years, filming the nearly four-minute-long reel from his couch. Calipari notably declined to elaborate on his future amid recent reports that he accepted a job as the Arkansas Razorbacks’ next head coach. 

“This is a dream job,” Calipari said. “It was my dream job. Anybody in our profession looks at the University of Kentucky and basketball and says that it is the bluest of blue.”

A message to #BBN: pic.twitter.com/TG344ipTfZ

— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) April 9, 2024

Calipari continued, “The last few weeks, we’ve come to realize that this program probably needs to hear another voice, that the university as a whole has to have another voice giving guidance about this program. And the fans need to hear another voice. We’ve loved it here, but we think it’s time for us to step away… It’s been a dream, what we’ve been able to do. But 15 years? It’s time for another voice and you know I’m always going to be a fan. Thank you.”

Calipari added that he and his family were “discussing opportunities that were presented to us” but didn’t comment on any specific reports. Earlier this week, Calipari and the Razorbacks were reportedly finalizing a contract that will run for five years. No deal has been officially signed as of Tuesday.

The future Hall of Fame coach finished with an overall record of 410-123 (.769) at Kentucky and led the Wildcats to 12 NCAA tournament appearances, winning one national championship in 2012.