Fans of the Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball team are currently anxiously awaiting news on coach John Calipari and his future with the school. There was an expectation that they’d meet on Monday, but it seems fans will have to wait one more day.
Coach Cal’s end-of-year meeting with athletic director Mitch Barnhart will be on Tuesday, and they’re expected to discuss the future. However, for those who wanted Calipari fired, there may be some disappointment.
Here’s the latest out of Kentucky, per a source: Calipari—who is set to appear on his local radio show in 30 mins—and AD Mitch Barnhart have not yet met but will meet tomorrow. Intent of the meeting will be to focus on significant program improvements, not necessarily separation.
— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) March 25, 2024
Per Matt Norlander of CBS Sports, the focus of the meeting will be improving the program moving forward, and “not necessarily separation.” It’s been assumed that barring something unforeseen, the cost of buying out Calipari’s contract would be a last option.
It has been a rough couple of years for the Wildcats, and Cal’s struggle to adapt to the NIL era could be a factor. It’s a different world from when he began his stint at Kentucky.
Calipari has proven he can recruit and draw talent to Lexington. The March losses are piling up, though. If the meeting goes well tomorrow, he’ll be back next season, but if next year goes the same as the last few have, then at least buying his contract out next year will cost a little less.