It was a frustrating end to the 2023-24 season for the Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball team. A talented team was picked by several analysts to be a title contender, but once again came up short, losing in round one to Oakland 80 – 76.
It’s the second time in three years that a highly seeded Kentucky team lost in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The Wildcats have now not made it out of the first weekend in five years.
Immediately after the game ended, fans tired of the lack of March success took to social media to call for John Calipari’s job. The details of what that would cost were also talked about.
Calipari signed a 10 year contract in 2019, and as part of the deal, if Kentucky wanted to end it early, they’d have to buy him out. The buyout would be 75% of what he was owed. That amount would currently be over $33 million.
Between the financial cost, as well as the potential lost recruits, it feels like Cal will be back next season. It could certainly be accomplished if the school was deadset on it, but those who want him ousted might have to wait just a little longer.