If you ever see John Calipari coaching basketball, then as of Monday, it is going to be for Kentucky. No other team will be able to poach the renowned head coach, as he is going to be there for the rest of his career.
It was reported early on Monday that Kentucky had offered Calipari a lifetime contract amid UCLA's interest in the head coach. Now, per reporter Jeff Goodman, Calipari has actually accepted that offer, effectively signing over his professional life over to the iconic program.
Kentucky spokesman confirms to @Stadium John Calipari agrees to a long-term deal with the school to “finish his career at Kentucky.” There was NO shot Cal was ever going to UCLA. Only way he leaves UK is for an NBA job — and it would have to be a good NBA job.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) April 1, 2019
Goodman reports that the only way Calipari will ever leave Kentucky is if the NBA comes calling with an offer too hard to pass up. He also indicated that Calipari never had any interest in joining UCLA, though the savvy businessman within him was able to use that interest to leverage himself this new and massive deal.
John Calipari is a shrewd businessman. Parlayed the UCLA interest into a lot more $$$$$
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) April 1, 2019
Coach Cal is currently on the books for $9.2 annually under his most recent agreement with Kentucky. UCLA reportedly offered him a six-year deal worth $48 million, so it's not hard to see why the man ultimately chose to remain in Lexington.
John Calipari has agreed to a lifetime contract at Kentucky, which means that if he dies he’ll be in breach of contract.
— Tom Fornelli (@TomFornelli) April 1, 2019
Well, it's official. Any program looking to poach the Cats' head coach will have to look elsewhere, as Calipari is locked in for the remainder of his coaching career with Big Blue Nation.