Calipari Bids Farewell to Kentucky, Hints at Razorback Opening

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — John Calipari, the head coach at Kentucky from 2009 to 2024, officially announced that he was stepping away from the program after 15 years in a video posted to X (formerly Twitter).

"This program probably needs to hear another voice," Calipari said. " 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."

Kentucky athletics director Mitch Barnhart, who appeared on local TV in Lexington with Calipari less than two weeks ago, addressed the situation for the first time after initial reports broke Sunday night that Calipari was finalizing a deal to become the 14th head coach at Arkansas. He confirmed Kentucky is indeed in the market for a new coach.

"We are working diligently to hire a proven [and] highly dedicated coach who embraces the importance of this program to our fans and the state of Kentucky," Barnhart wrote on X.

Calipari also seemed to reference the Arkansas opening, although not officially mentioning it by name in his video.

"There have been opportunities that have been presented to us," Calipari said. "We're discussing them as a family. I love coaching. I love coaching young people."

There is still radio silence officially from the University of Arkansas about a hire, but according to Dan Wolken of USA Today, the deal is still "100% on track."

Calipari closed his nearly four minute video with a final adieu to the Kentucky faithful.

"You know I'm always going to be a fan," Calipari said. "Thank you."

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