The John Calipari era is over in Kentucky.
Calipari announced Tuesday that he is stepping down as the head basketball coach of the Wildcats after 15 seasons and another early NCAA tournament exit — two days after ESPN reported he’s in talks to become Arkansas’ next coach.
“Since our season ended, [my wife] Ellen and I have spent a lot of our time thinking about our time here at Kentucky. What it means to us, the friends we’ve made,” Calipari said in a video before he recalled the program’s four Final Four berths under him and a 2012 NCAA Championship.
“It’s been a beautiful time for us. This is a dream job, it was my dream job.”
Calipari, who did not reveal his next career move, explained that it’s time for Kentucky basketball to have a new voice as its head coach.
“Anybody in our profession looks at the University of Kentucky in basketball and says, ‘That is the bluest of blue,'” he said. “The last few weeks we have 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 that they hear, and 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. There have been opportunities that have been presented to us so we’re discussing them as a family. I love coaching, I love coaching young people. This year’s team? I loved every day walking in. They’ve invigorated me. I love the chase for championships. I love bringing the kids together. It’s what I do, it’s who I am.”
Calipari went on to thank the players he’s had the privilege of coaching and their families for trusting him with their kids, as well as his staff and the fans.
“I am indebted forever until the wheels fall and I think they all know that… It’s been a dream what we’ve been able to do. Fifteen years, it’s time for another voice and you know I’m always going to be a fan,” he said.
ESPN reported Sunday that Calipari and Arkansas had been finalizing a five-year contract with a base salary of just under $8.5 million.
On Monday, the Hall of Fame coach declined to comment when asked if he had a message for fans while outside walking his dog.
“No, I don’t, I’m walking my dog right now,” Calipari told WKYT.
Calipari led the Wildcats to a 410-123 record in his time with Kentucky.
