Report: John Calipari Finalizing Five-Year Deal to Become the Next Head Coach at Arkansas

Per multiple national reports, John Calipari is leaving Kentucky after fifteen seasons to be the next head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks. The deal is expected to be a five-year deal in the $7.5-8 million dollar range, plus another $6+ million annually for an NIL fund.

Calipari’s move has caught everyone around the Kentucky program by surprise. Especially after making a “commitment” two weeks ago on his end-of-season call-in show, saying Kentucky is where he wanted to be.

So why the change of heart? According to FOX Sports’ John Fanta:

“Sources close to John Calipari say he had bad feelings about his situation at Kentucky, and that the lack of support had grown to the point where he didn’t feel like he could stay on because he didn’t feel wanted. The assets Arkansas put in place convinced him to make this move.”

Whatever the reason, Kentucky will be in search of their eighth coach in program history.