John Calipari has officially been named the head coach of Arkansas basketball, leaving Kentucky after 15 years. His new contract with Arkansas is a five-year deal, starting at $7 million per season, with a $1 million signing bonus, totaling $38.5 million over five years. The contract includes up to two automatic rollover years for NCAA Tournament appearances, potentially extending it through 2031 and could be worth up to $60 million with incentives. Calipari's departure from Kentucky has led the Wildcats to pursue Baylor's Scott Drew as their next coach, with a plane reportedly flying to the Waco area for talks. However, Scott Drew has turned down Kentucky, and the focus has shifted to Mark Pope as the potential next coach. This decision has been met with mixed reactions from the Kentucky fan base. Meanwhile, Calipari's move has made him the highest-paid coach in Arkansas athletics history, surpassing Sam Pittman. His contract details include a variety of bonuses for NCAA Tournament progress and retention incentives.
This episode of the @EyeOnCBBPodcast is 31 minutes on Kentucky hiring Mark Pope to replace John Calipari. WATCH: https://t.co/kdIQPmHvIh
Can't help but think of the speed in which takes fly in 2024 Kentucky fans have gone from incendiary to intrigued about the Mark Pope hire It's been all of 12 hours. The more they learn about his style of ball & hear about his love of the program, the more they'll like it.
🚨🚨Will go live at some point today to react to Mark Pope/Kentucky - but because I'm a man of the people, went back and found my interview with Pope in the @AaronTorresPod archives from 2020. Like the hire or not - it's worth giving a listen ⬇️⬇️ https://t.co/TjWdIEidvr
What UK fans/boosters wanted was to know Mitch Barnhart went all the way down the path with each of the surefire home run hires. And clearly he didn’t. That’s why Mark Pope, who loves his alma mater and a lot of non-UK basketball folks think is awesome, starts in a tough spot.
Kentucky is hiring Mark Pope to replace John Calipari. Good move? Questionable move? The @EyeOnCBBPodcast will be live on @YouTube momentarily. WATCH: https://t.co/zWEvFjMyG9
More @RealPitino on new @KentuckyMBB coach @CoachMarkPope : "No one epitomizes playing for the name on the front more than Mark Pope " https://t.co/5f5IMcmMMs
I got to know Mark Pope 2 years ago at Battle4Atlantis. He is smart, engaging, confident in who he is and his style of play. He knows that Kentucky jersey well. Like every other coach in the SEC… recruiting will be the ultimate test. He will be embraced by UK fan base. Twitter…
Kentucky goes inside the family and hires BYU coach Mark Pope after Scott Drew stays at Baylor, @Jdfletch3 joins | Spring football EXTRAVAGANZA with Miami S @Meesh_Powell, @Zach_Berry on Ole Miss (and @JoeyJaws) and @RJHarvey07 and @kfizzzy talking UCF https://t.co/UfZNHdGtTv
ICYMI my column on Kentucky basketball hiring Mark Pope. The more I think about it, the more I like it. #BBN #ukbasketball https://t.co/QUu83UCxJW
NEW | With Kentucky set to hire Mark Pope, a few thoughts on athletic director Mitch Barnhart, and the risk he's taking My column on the reported hiring of Mark Pope by Kentucky https://t.co/X13ivBqUUo
Kentucky fans are REVOLTING after it was reported the Wildcats are likely hiring BYU coach Mark Pope to replace Calipari. CHECK OUT THE REACTIONS: https://t.co/hKLoVBjYZo https://t.co/TRv0xARYN8
Kentucky targets Mark Pope #MarkPope https://t.co/M8k52m7vra
Now on @njdotcom Kentucky hiring BYU’s Mark Pope on 5-year deal, Rick Pitino calls it ‘an unbelievable choice’ https://t.co/9daJUwvztv
Memo to Kentucky fans: Mark Pope will win you over Story by @Harmonwrites https://t.co/ZzDKaIG40s
Introducing your new Kentucky basketball coach… Mark Pope… https://t.co/yj53E4yBqI
My column: Mark Pope might not be the basketball coach Kentucky fans wanted, but he could be the coach UK needs. #BBN #ukbasketball https://t.co/QUu83UCxJW
The thing is, Mark Pope is a really sharp coach who everyone that knows him loves. I've not dealt with him much, but all our @TheAthleticCBB staff that has rave about him. And I support Hamilton-lyric-spitting. https://t.co/FHSJUR8xEg
Kentucky fans are heated tonight on social media and the message boards. The potential hire of Mark Pope is being met by mixed reactions, and there will certainly be emails sent tonight. Read: https://t.co/JYtLkao8FV https://t.co/loubEPcTrS
Kentucky aimed and unsuccessfully shot for the stars chasing Hurley and Drew. Mark Pope will be viewed as a consolation hire, but the dude can COACH. What he did with BYU, in a weight class step up from the WCC to the Big 12, was nothing short of spectacular.
.@RobDauster's message for Kentucky fans: "Buy into it. Maybe it'll take 2-3 years. But Mark Pope is the antithesis of a lot of the things that you grew tired of under Calipari. He's outperformed expectations and resources. He's one of your own. If it doesn't work, it doesn't… https://t.co/7OMKXl6CgN
Wow, Kentucky ran off John Calipari to hire Mark Pope away from BYU? I still don’t understand why you wouldn’t have hired Bruce Pearl. Or Rick Pitino. What a mess this all was.
"Mark Pope is a smart, smart coach, that genuinely understands modern college basketball. I don't think THAT facet of this hire is something that should concern Kentucky fans" - @RobDauster LIVE reaction to Kentucky targeting Mark Pope ⬇️⬇️ https://t.co/51Jo3A43w4
"There's a bit of a Greg McDermott vibe here, to me. I think, strictly from a basketball standpoint, and offensively speaking, that Pope is going to be just fine" - @RobDauster Reaction to Kentucky targeting Mark Pope ⬇️⬇️ https://t.co/51Jo3A43w4
Kentucky nearing deal with Mark Pope to replace John Calipari, per reports https://t.co/spqdHwJUtD
🚨 Mark Pope to Kentucky 🚨 @RobDauster is LIVE with an emergency pod to react to the news NOW! TUNE IN: https://t.co/VaVFabcAsd https://t.co/GQuj5GjrgX
BREAKING: Kentucky set to hire Mark Pope as their next head coach per @GoodmanHoops | PRESENTED BY @BetMGM https://t.co/51Jo3A4BlC
Mark Pope is an awesome personality and a good basketball coach, I think he will get a kick out of BBN reactions to his announcement
It seemed like Louisville FLAILED through its coaching search, but they stuck the landing and the fans seem to immediately love Pat Kelsey. Kentucky had a good initial plan, but after Candidates A & B said no, the fan base seems universally apoplectic over the Mark Pope hire.
With reports that Mark Pope will be Kentucky's new basketball coach, here's a column I wrote about Mark when he got his first head coaching job at Utah Valley. Dropped out of med school to go into coaching. #BBN #ukbasketball https://t.co/gVdLxfamUC
Kentucky AD Mitch Barnhart swung for Scott Drew, Dan Hurley and Nate Oats. He missed. 15 years ago, he was persuaded to go after someone with “baggage.” This time he went with his choice. Mark Pope.
All I ask Kentucky fans: Give Mark Pope til the opening press conference. Super dynamic and he won at a place thats basically impossible in the modern era And he clearly knows Kentucky expectations. Give him a chance. You'll be impressed. And it's on him once the season starts
Have a feeling people are going to say Mark Pope is a boring hire or a low-ceiling hire. And I disagree. Established successful coach with nearly a decade of experience across three conferences, including the Big 12, AND an alumni from your program’s greatest team? High ceiling.
Mark Pope ➡️ Kentucky?? 👀 https://t.co/ed665C0WMe https://t.co/3APsKWvYjK
I like Mark Pope. BYU was super fun this year. But Kentucky going from one of Dan Hurley, Scott Drew, or Nate Oats to him is... something. https://t.co/5m71d38qS5
“Mark Pope?” Calipari: https://t.co/E4VaDAOq3p https://t.co/KIPQ7TPGVL
Kentucky is about to hire Mark Pope after never aggressively pursuing Billy Donovan at any point, according to @MattNorlander. Genuinely curious: How do UK fans feel about this? https://t.co/drjhzHxleY
From tonight's @AaronTorresPod: Is John Calipari set to land his first big-time recruit as Arkansas head coach!? It sure does look like it🐗👀 Everything you need to know ⬇️⬇️ https://t.co/kFccgzxFMU
If Mark Pope is the next coach at Kentucky as these reports indicate I think it’s a great move. Mark is super smart and engaging, coaches an entertaining style, understands the job and won’t get caught up in the wrong stuff. All things considered this ended well for Kentucky.
Mark Pope is going to show the country what Utah basketball is all about. A fun fun brand of hoops with some awesome hoopers. He will care too! An alum that won a national title at UK in the 90s. I’m a fan of this hire.
Now on @njdotcom Rick Pitino says BYU’s Mark Pope would be ‘an unbelievable choice’ for Kentucky https://t.co/9daJUwvztv @KentuckyMBB @TMKSESPN
We're LIVE reacting to a WILD day in college hoops * Kentucky gets turned down by Drew/Hurley - who should be next? * Plus, John Calipari appears ready to make his first Arkansas/recruiting SPLASH JOIN US. 7 p.m. ET https://t.co/firNtlUZiz https://t.co/qa4wwegm3w
Kentucky CHAOS - what now after Dan Hurley/Scott Drew say NO + John Calipari recruiting win coming?! https://t.co/YH5pMpDEbj
🚨🚨We're going LIVE at 7pm ET to discuss what turned into a WILD day in college hoops * Kentucky gets turned down by Drew/Hurley - who should be next? * Plus, John Calipari appears ready to make his first Arkansas/recruiting SPLASH JOIN US. 7 p.m. ET https://t.co/firNtlUZiz https://t.co/2FjmGDz6ea
Who will replace John Calipari at Kentucky now that Dan Hurley and Scott Drew have removed themselves from consideration? @John_Fanta runs through the potential candidates over at @CBBonFOX: https://t.co/7JzuP0galm
This episode of the @EyeOnCBBPodcast with @GaryParrishCBS and @kyletheboone is 29 minutes on the Kentucky coaching search after Scott Drew and Dan Hurley both passed on the chance to lead UK. WATCH: https://t.co/lcueBRTPYL
This episode of the @EyeOnCBBPodcast is 29 minutes on the Kentucky coaching search after Scott Drew and Dan Hurley both passed on the chance to coach UK. WATCH: https://t.co/hMHnfE5V5y
Scott Drew and Dan Hurley have both passed on Kentucky. What should UK do next? The @EyeOnCBBPodcast will be live on @YouTube momentarily. WATCH: https://t.co/FX7MTE5aC8
5 candidates for Kentucky's reported coaching vacancy with Scott Drew and Dan Hurley out https://t.co/ifgz9K6e9T https://t.co/SotG48qWHz
Arkansas billionaire John Tyson tried and failed to lure his friend to Arkansas in 2007. 17 years later, John Calipari accepted the offer. "My dad always said if you're gonna work with people, work with your friends," Tyson told @247Sports. "For the state of Arkansas, for… https://t.co/5ngpOtySwq
NEWS: There is a "0 percent chance" Dan Hurley leaves UConn for Kentucky, @MattNorlander reports. “They could offer $20 million a year and he wouldn’t go.” https://t.co/CJih0smQfb https://t.co/U3SX9XFfob
There was little doubt as is, but this is final: sources just told @CBSSports there is a “0 percent chance” Dan Hurley will leave UConn for Kentucky. It’s not happening. Hurley staying in Storrs, with a deserved big pay bump coming for him + his staff. UK’s search continues.
Mitch Barnhart's longtime No. 1 choice to replace John Calipari has already said no. Where does Kentucky go from here? Danny Hurley on Line 1? Billy Donovan on Line 2? And ... Rick Pitino on Line 3? https://t.co/86ZkFBbV5M
After Scott Drew turned down Kentucky to remain at Baylor, who could be next on the list for AD Mitch Barnhart? https://t.co/I2SxSVInWf https://t.co/rUlhL958II
New on @AaronTorresPod: An UPDATE on the Kentucky search. After Scott Drew says no: * What I think I know about Kentucky's Dan Hurley mega-offer * The interesting Billy Donovan situation * What happens if both those guys say no?! HOP IN ⬇️⬇️ https://t.co/P04vupkrgs
Another run at Nate Oats? Making Dan Hurley an offer he can't refuse? Finally landing Billy Donovan? A ... Rick Pitino reunion? Here are candidates for Kentucky basketball with Scott Drew no longer in the picture. https://t.co/KdPNU0QNl8
From @TheAthletic: John Calipari explains his stunning decision to leave Kentucky for Arkansas. The basketball coach was gearing up for a 16th season with the Wildcats. Then an old friend called and made an offer he couldn’t refuse. https://t.co/yWR3lkSDSf
Kentucky Coaching Search Day 4 - Scott Drew Turned Down The Job Of A Lifetime, All Eyes Are Now On A Plane That Landed In New York https://t.co/iYX2AUfPK1 https://t.co/LdxKyegRVP
Who replaces Coach Cal now that Scott Drew turned Kentucky down https://t.co/DVupq8IRA8
Where does Kentucky go from here?? "The odds that Kentucky lands Dan Hurley is 0.00%. Don't even waste your time on Dan. It's not. gonna. happen." - @GoodmanHoops LIVE reaction to today's carousel news ⬇️⬇️ https://t.co/h63prBOPCB
🚨 Scott Drew turns DOWN Kentucky!! 🚨 Where does the Wildcats search go from here? @RobDauster and @GoodmanHoops are LIVE with the latest! WATCH: https://t.co/S0UV0Krlvc https://t.co/5HCoaGggAE
BREAKING: Scott Drew turns DOWN Kentucky! Where do Wildcats go from here? @GoodmanHoops and @RobDauster with the latest!| PRESENTED BY @BetMGM https://t.co/h63prBPns9
On today's pod - we talked about what would happen if Scott Drew turned down Kentucky. Think there's one guy you gotta go after ⬇️⬇️ https://t.co/acTOdDLmWD
Kentucky search officially reaches the chaos point. Backup plans: Bruce Pearl Sean Miller Mark Pope Wait for Billy Donovan and hope he’s in the mood to jump in a week? Keep offering the Dan Hurleys of the word a share of the state GDP?
.@TwoRiversFord Poll: Where should Kentucky turn if Scott Drew turns them down?
From today's @AaronTorresPod: John Calipari is the Arkansas coach - and he's ready to make BIG moves * The big commits likely to flip * The dream staff he could potentially put together * The crazy NIL dollars coming his way SO MUCH TO DISCUSS ⬇️⬇️ https://t.co/DCjlR053EU
From today's @AaronTorresPod: The LATEST on the Kentucky coaching search * Is today the day Scott Drew becomes official? * What if UK misses on Drew?! * Plus what about reports of an insane Dan Hurley contract offer? We break it all down. HOP IN ⬇️⬇️ https://t.co/TremG250o5
ICYMI: Arkansas has hired John Calipari as men’s basketball coach, a day after he stepped down from the Kentucky program he led to the 2012 national championship https://t.co/GcG6N87ZcC
🚨🚨A new @AaronTorresPod is LIVE: * John Calipari's wild introduction at Arkansas * What will Calipari's first big moves in recruiting, staff, NIL be? * Some interesting new twists in the Kentucky search - who will be next? 🎧https://t.co/gIeMMGODXS 📺https://t.co/WjE69yNnmE https://t.co/WQxtKoNVXH
How Arkansas hooked John Calipari and why he was ready to leave Kentucky https://t.co/erEHytt9oq
NEW | John Calipari arrives in Arkansas, hoping to rejuvenate his legacy. My column on his first comments https://t.co/g6nNEbCZRx
Just watched the @RazorbackMBB ppl greet John Calipari & he was treated like Royalty by those came out at Bud Walton Arena than at the presser he was fired up like someone getting his 1st coaching job. My gut says this is going to be a great marriage .WOO PIG SOOUIE!
John Calipari was introduced as the new head coach of the Arkansas men's basketball program on Wednesday, and he didn't waste much time before offering an assessment of the current lay of the land https://t.co/ZDo5qbccbh
Arkansas introduced John Calipari at a press conference tonight. This was the standing ovation for Arkansas booster and billionaire chicken magnate John Tyson. (via @bmarcello) https://t.co/3gfIXol0MG
Coach Calipari officially in the cardinal and white 👀 (📷: @RazorbackMBB) https://t.co/m1cM6TyaVt
We're going LIVE on @AaronTorresPod YouTube channel, reacting to: * John Calipari's introductory press conference * His first moves at Arkansas * Plus, the latest on the Kentucky search LOADED SHOW. JOIN US. 8PM ET ⬇️⬇️ https://t.co/rep9eh6ZZy https://t.co/e0tg3hmm6A
John Calipari introduced at Arkansas - what are his first moves + The LATEST ON THE KENTUCKY SEARCH! https://t.co/jaGFBaggIE
The first look at John Calipari as a Razorback 🐗 (via @RazorbackMBB) https://t.co/f3SYhTJhNM
We're going LIVE in 10 minutes on the @AaronTorresPod YouTube channel, reacting to: * John Calipari's introductory press conference * His first moves at Arkansas * Plus, the latest on the Kentucky search LOADED SHOW. JOIN US. 8PM ET ⬇️⬇️ https://t.co/ySzvQxixBF https://t.co/2cbh3PMb2f
Coach Cal steps into Bud Walton Arena as the head coach of @RazorbackMBB 🔥 https://t.co/b8mZMKvAGy
#JohnCalipari is officially the head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks. See more 👇 https://t.co/gGx0KLlYHz
The stage is set for the introduction of the 14th head coach in Arkansas men’s basketball history. Bud Walton arena is ready to welcome John Calipari! #WPS https://t.co/0zLDkWJEhq
John Calipari has arrived at the University of Arkansas’ campus for the first time as the head coach 🔥 (via @MichaelMain__) https://t.co/zxFaBkiI8p
John Calipari has arrived in Fayetteville 🐗 (via @MichaelMain__) https://t.co/dj8QCbYW7t
Calipari arrives (in red) in Fayetteville https://t.co/aWdCCtHkRA
Calipari arrives in Fayetteville https://t.co/AZXAv2NM8X
In the span of 72 hours, John Calipari finalized his exit from Kentucky. Why did he choose Arkansas? What made him want to leave Lexington? @ShamsCharania and @KyleTucker_ATH have more ⤵️ https://t.co/XuK1ukU479 https://t.co/yU04CDoi23
Kentucky basketball next coach odds: Scott Drew, Billy Donovan, Tommy Lloyd favorites https://t.co/APRATK5qlG
Kentucky appears to be focusing on Scott Drew to replace John Calipari https://t.co/p2EoxbT4gD https://t.co/z3oeLgPvwZ
Welcome to Arkansas, Coach Cal. We're excited for a new era of Razorback basketball. #WPS https://t.co/2VyQXFYYmu
John Calipari signed a five-year, $38.5 million contract with Arkansas that becomes a seven-year pact worth $60 million with incentives, sources tell @ShamsCharania and @KyleTucker_ATH. But money is far from the only reason that made Cal leave Kentucky. https://t.co/XuK1ukTwhB https://t.co/twXNrSNnfb
I’m told Arkansas’ Hall of Fame Coach John Calipari will land at approximately 1:30 at Drake Field to begin his first official day on the job. #WPS https://t.co/KUnHawnH3z
John Calipari signed a five-year, $38.5 million contract with Arkansas that becomes a seven-year pact worth $60 with incentives, sources tell @ShamsCharania and @KyleTucker_ATH. But money is far from the only reason that made Cal leave Kentucky. https://t.co/XuK1ukU479 https://t.co/bKlqka0KZg
John Calipari's coaching peers agree — he is one of the great program builders in college basketball. But the situation in Kentucky had turned sour. And Calipari had to leave. @ShamsCharania and @KyleTucker_ATH have more intel. https://t.co/WCKyq8yrIA https://t.co/uMm4jQADj1
Eric Musselman had to pay Arkansas $1 million to leave for USC. John Calipari gets that $1 million as a bonus for taking over. 💰 https://t.co/1E2v4RfroO
◽️ A deteriorated relationship with Mitch Barnhart ◽️ Clashes over funding for Big Blue Madness ◽️ An old friend's offer he couldn't refuse Once Arkansas engaged John Calipari, there was no looking back. @ShamsCharania and @KyleTucker_ATH have more ⤵️ https://t.co/XuK1ukTwhB https://t.co/rOgPfPXZK3
Inside John Calipari’s blockbuster decision to leave Kentucky for Arkansas: A billionaire Chicken friend, private meeting, the reasons why time was now to bolt UK, and a new contract worth up to seven years and almost $60M. At @TheAthletic: https://t.co/bzU0mQzNmo
With @ShamsCharania: How Arkansas hooked John Calipari and why the Hall of Fame coach was ready to move on from Kentucky. Calipari told The Athletic he’s ready to create a “love affair” with the Hogs. And when he knew the love was gone in Lexington. https://t.co/AC4ut2uw5l
Arkansas lands John Calipari from Kentucky as massive contract details emerge https://t.co/UhLrg6TRxc https://t.co/pIFhgxyNZi
NEW: Kentucky is moving quickly to make Baylor's Scott Drew its next basketball coach. A plane owned by Joe Craft flew to the Waco area this morning and is on its way back to Lexington after UK began talks with Drew yesterday. Story: https://t.co/GLYPvKVeSP
John Calipari is taking a nearly 18% pay cut at Arkansas, but don't worry. The former Kentucky coach is still raking in a lot of money. DETAILS: https://t.co/1aE49scTqh https://t.co/jZ94ESA6Yp
John Calipari's Arkansas contract isn't quite as fat as his UK deal, but he's still CBB's 2nd highest paid coach. Where would he rank on the gridiron? https://t.co/6TmiBAVTin
Arkansas officially hires John Calipari as its men's basketball head coach. “By all accounts, John Calipari is one of the premier coaches in college basketball,” athletic director Hunter Yurachek said. “A national championship coach, a four-time national coach of the year and…
It’s official. ✍️ John Calipari is the new head coach of @RazorbackMBB 🐗 https://t.co/oTMrrtblmO
JOHN CALIPARI CONTRACT DETAILS Salary: $7 million Signing bonus: $1 million Yearly retention bonus: $500K NCAA Tournament Bonus - Appearance: $50K OR - Round 2: $100,000 OR - Sweet 16: $250K OR - Final Four: $350K OR - National title: $500K ROLLOVERS/RAISES - NCAA Tournament…
Here's the details of John Calipari's new Arkansas deal. Some relatively easy bonuses to hit that will keep him near the top of the highest paid college coaches. https://t.co/mIGa0zTlWw
Now on @njdotcom John Calipari officially becomes Arkansas coach on 5-year deal beginning at $7 million https://t.co/5sJnlfLnYY
According to Calipari's contract, there is a $6 million buyout if he elects to leave for another school or terminate his contract early. If Arkansas terminates the contract early, the Hogs would owe Calipari 75% of his remaining salary and other compensation.
No surprise, but John Calipari officially becomes the highest-paid coach in the history of Arkansas athletics, surpassing Sam Pittman. https://t.co/6pMdS6twmq
John Calipari contract: How his new deal at Arkansas compares to his final Kentucky basketball agreement https://t.co/MulToxjjEJ via @courierjournal
Details on John Calipari’s contract: https://t.co/wujHOu71qO
John Calipari has signed a five-year contract with a salary beginning at $7 million/season. The contract has a maximum of two automatic rollover years for NCAA Tournament appearances that would extend the contract to 2031. He gets a $1 million signing bonus. He also has retention…
John Calipari's contract is a 5-year deal that starts at $7 million, and includes a $1 million signing bonus. Also includes a maximum of two automatic rollover years for NCAA tourney appearances that would extend the deal through 2031. News conference is today at 6 pm at Bud…
John Calipari officially named Arkansas basketball coach following 15 years at Kentucky https://t.co/K1pEYOKQdq via @courierjournal
Monday column on John Calipari fleeing his rebuild at Kentucky for Arkansas: https://t.co/q0LEtS2YyM