John Calipari Wishes He Would Have Left Kentucky in 2019, Is 'Sad' To Leave

When John Calipari was first introduced at Kentucky he was given the advice from the late Joe B Hall, who coached Kentucky from 1972-1985. That advice, No UK coach should keep the job for more than 10 years.

Hall, who won the 1978 championship, Kentucky’s first in 20 years, coached the Wildcats for thirteen seasons. Despite his successes, he still suffered a large amount of criticism that eventually played into his departure.

Calipari suffered a similar fate. His tenure at Kentucky started with historic highs, going to four Final Fours in five seasons, and ended with historic lows, winning just one NCAA Tournament game in his last four seasons. But what if he had taken the UCLA job in 2019, following Kentucky’s Elite Eight loss to Auburn?

From 2009 to 2019, Calipari failed to make at least the Sweet 16 just twice. Advancing to the Elite Eight seven times. Four Final Fours. One National title. That would be one of the most successful runs in the modern era of college basketball. He would have left Lexington on top. According to those close to him, he admits he should have gone to UCLA, per The Athletic.

Then again, it is difficult to turn down a 10-year, $86 million contract, “lifetime” contract.

But that didn’t happen. In reality, Calipari failed to win one NCAA Tournament game with a National Player of the Year winner nor a National Freshman of the Year winner, and the lowest.

Yet, the lows since 2019 should define his time at Kentucky. The last few days have been a time to reflect over the last fifteen years. Think about how fun the John Wall/Demarcus Cousins year was. Beating Indiana and Louisville en route to the 2012 title. The miraculous 2014 title game run. A nearly undefeated season. Malik Monk scoring a freshman-record 47 points. Drake coming to Big Blue Madness. Tyler Herro’s last-minute three over Houston.

It’s been a fun ride. While Calipari understands it’s time for a “new voice” he is sad to leave Lexington.

“We loved our time there,” Calipari said. “We gave every ounce of everything we had to that job, that state, that school. I walk away sad, but no regrets. We left nothing on the table. There’s not a whole lot more we could’ve tried to do.”