Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart confirms on social media that John Calipari will return as men’s basketball coach despite calls for his firing following the Wildcats’ third consecutive early exit from the NCAA Tournament.
Kentucky coach John Calipari calls out to the team during the first half of a college basketball game against Oakland in the first round of the men’s NCAA Tournament Thursday, March 21, 2024, in Pittsburgh. LEXINGTON, Ky. — Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart confirmed on social media that John Calipari will return as men’s basketball coach despite calls for his firing following the Wildcats’ third consecutive early exit from the NCAA Tournament.
Kentucky’s quick exit drew immediate calls for Calipari’s firing on sports talk shows and social media, with many criticizing his reliance on so-called “one and done” freshmen and Kentucky’s defensive weaknesses. Calipari’s dismissal would’ve triggered a $33 million buyout under terms of a lifetime contract signed in 2019.
The coach, for his part, sounded like someone intending to return during his season-ending radio show Monday night as he reiterated his love for players and the state. He also hinted at retaining his roster combination of talented freshmen and experienced players through the NCAA transfer portal — albeit with more beef.NCAA President Charlie Baker urges states with legal wagering to ban prop bets on college athletes“We’ve just got to get the right transfer,” he said.
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