Is it time for John Calipari and the Kentucky Wildcats to split ways?.
It’s something Kentucky supporters never imagined they’d have to consider, and it seemed inconceivable just a few short years ago.
But, here we are. On January 9, 2023, the Wildcats are 10-5, unranked, and four years removed from their last NCAA Tournament victory.
The protests from Big Blue Nation grow louder with each setback, and Kentucky’s demoralizing 78-52 loss to Alabama on Saturday didn’t help matters. However, with Calipari in the middle of a 10-year contract with a sizable buyout, Kentucky is in a difficult situation.
That is, unless a specific school in Austin calls.
The timing could work out perfectly for all parties involved. Kentucky needs a change but cannot afford to fire Calipari, Calipari may want to leave, and Texas may benefit from a Hall of Fame coach with a national championship and over 800 wins.
Can everyone join together to make it happen? We will see. For now, let’s look at John Calipari’s deal with Kentucky.
Unlike many coaches, especially those who have been at their school for as long as Calipari, who assumed the Kentucky job in 2009, Coach Cal’s contract does not include a retention bonus or any other type of bonus system. The only additional remuneration he is entitled to is a $50,000 increase if the Wildcats reach a 975 APR score in an academic year.
In terms of guaranteed money, Calipari will earn $8,500,000 this year and the next two years, before increasing to $9,000,000 for the balance of his contract. The total amount of Calipari’s deal, commencing with the 2022-23 season, is $61.5 million.
However, this deal is not guaranteed to last through 2028-29. After the 2023-24 season, Calipari will have the option to opt out of the contract and accept a position as Special Assistant to the Athletic Director. If he chose that option, Calipari would retain his $400,000 base compensation for the remainder of his deal, as well as an additional $550,000 per year in supplemental money. This would bring his total annual pay to $950,000.
In addition to Calipari’s opt-out as a special assistant, there are two additional options for this to end early: Calipari can choose to step down, or Kentucky can fire him.
If Calipari goes, say for a head coaching position and a new burnt orange wardrobe, he will not face any penalties. His buyout is exactly $0. But if Kentucky fires him without cause, the school will owe him 75% of his remaining base and supplementary compensation. Here’s the breakdown by year:
