Why John Calipari-to-Texas makes sense. And why it doesn't for Kentucky men's basketball coach.
LEXINGTON, Ky. — John Calipari quickly denied any interest in the Texas coaching vacancy during his weekly radio show Monday night. While there have been rumors the longtime leader of Kentucky's men's basketball program is a candidate for the opening, 247Sports.com's Travis Branham reported Monday that the Longhorns already have contacted Calipari "through back channels.”
"I haven't talked to anybody," Calipari said Monday. "My concern right now is my guys, my team (and) getting this right. That kind of stuff happens, but I only want to talk about this job. I love this job. I love this group."
Note the first word in the first sentence of his response: "I." While Calipari himself may not have spoken with any Texas representatives, that doesn't mean others haven't done so on his behalf.
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Kentucky, which started its 2022-23 season as the nation's No. 4 team, fell out of the Associated Press poll last week. And in the latest rankings, released Monday, the Wildcats didn't receive a single vote.
UK is 10-5 overall, and 1-2 in the SEC, entering Tuesday's home game against South Carolina. Texas, which fired head coach Chris Beard on Jan. 5 following a domestic violence arrest in December, is 13-2 (2-1 Big 12) and ranked No. 10.
Though Kentucky hasn't played up to expectations yet, should Calipari actually entertain thoughts of leaving for the Lone Star State?
Here's why he should – and shouldn't.
The case for Calipari taking the Texas job
He believes his time in Lexington has run its course.
Ultimately, Calipari's decision will come down to this: Has he finally grown tired of the unrelenting pressure that comes with being the most well-known person in Kentucky? His 14-season tenure with the Wildcats is the second longest by any UK coach, trailing only Adolph Rupp's 42. While he's won a national title and been to four Final Fours with the Wildcats, that championship was a decade ago (2012), and the last Final Four appearance was seven years ago.
At most schools, that wouldn't be a cause for alarm.
Kentucky isn't most schools, of course.
Texas falls into that category, though.
The Longhorns, despite their vast resources, only have three Final Fours in their history — and just one in the past 70 years. They've never won a national championship, or been in a title contest. But Texas is one of the few schools that could match – or surpass – Calipari's salary at UK. Texas is widely viewed as a top-10 job nationally, because of the money available (given its array of well-heeled boosters), its proximity to highly regarded recruits (Texas produces some of the nation's top players, year in and year out) and the expectations relative to other programs (UT is a football-focused school, after all).
If Calipari is looking for a fresh start at a program that can financially compensate him the way UK does – without having to worry about answering to one of the most demanding fan bases in college athletics – Texas would provide such an opportunity.
The case for Calipari staying at Kentucky
He believes the job in Lexington isn't finished.
There still are plenty of games left in this season. Kentucky has played just three conference contests to this point, after all. If the Wildcats turn things around, earn a solid seed for the NCAA Tournament and at least make a run to the second weekend, it feels inconceivable that Calipari would depart for Texas – or any other vacancy.
Especially since UK is set to bring in what is, on paper, one of the best recruiting classes of his tenure.
Are Kentucky fans frustrated by not reaching a Final Four since 2015? Without question.
But Calipari feels the same way. No one coaching at this level – particularly in the pressure cooker that is Kentucky – would be pleased with the NCAA Tournament results the past seven seasons. Calipari has what is effectively a lifetime contract at UK, one that will allow him to transition into an ambassador role (and pay him nearly $1 million a year) after he retires from coaching.
Follow Kentucky men’s basketball and football reporter Ryan Black on Twitter at @RyanABlack.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Would John Calipari actually leave Kentucky basketball for Texas?
