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Committed John Calipari eyeing ‘another level’ for Kentucky basketball

By Cody Williams

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 17: Head coach John Calipari of the Kentucky Wildcats reacts during the second half against the Saint Peter's Peacocks in the first round game of the 2022 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 17, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 17: Head coach John Calipari of the Kentucky Wildcats reacts during the second half against the Saint Peter's Peacocks in the first round game of the 2022 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 17, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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Kentucky basketball has experienced a tumultuous two years under John Calipari but the head coach is committed to the program and to taking a leap. 

Since Kentucky basketball head coach John Calipari signed a proverbial lifetime contract in 2019, the Wildcats have been a bit tumultuous on the hardwood under his watch. In the COVID-altered 2020-21 season, they didn’t even reach double-digit wins. And while there were high hopes throughout this past year, a first-round upset loss to Cinderella St. Peter’s ended things abruptly.

But Calipari remains undeterred.

In fact, he’s ready for the program to make another leap, one that would see them cutting down the nets in early April once again.

Kentucky basketball: John Calipari ready for Wildcats to reach ‘another level’

During an appearance on Kentucky Roll Call (h/t On3), Calipari not only stated that he was committed to seeing out the rest of his contract, but that he believed that the Wildcats were ready to reach another level.

“I’ve been here a long time for a coach at one place and I’m going to live out this contract. I’ve committed to it and I’m going to do it,” Calipari said. “We want to say, let’s take this thing to another level and let’s just keep going.”

Calipari’s so-called lifetime contract actually has an extension that runs through 2029 but with some catches. He can coach out that deal to make $9 million per year but, starting in two years (the 2024-25 season), he could step into more of a front office role and take less money. So his commitment appears to indicate he plans to choose the former option.

Regardless, Calipari has made a name for himself for years in recruiting top-end talent but the results haven’t always matched. Frankly, they should have this past season, but the Peacocks had a storybook to write and wouldn’t be denied.

With what he’s saying at this time, however, it’s hard for Kentucky basketball fans to not hear it and start having high hopes for what the immediate future and beyond hold.

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