Kentucky fans post farewell message in John Calipari's front yard

John Calipari leaving Kentucky is a complicated topic for those bluegrass. There’s an aspect of it that’s still very bittersweet, though, after spending 15 seasons with the Wildcats, most of which were highly successful.

That’s why some fan or a group of fans wanted to express their appreciation for their Hall of Famer. They did so in the form of a yard sign in front of the Calipari’s home that shared their thanks and love for him as his tenure in the bluegrass comes to an end.

Spotted outside John Calipari's house this morning

📸: @johnnynewt1 pic.twitter.com/URKKpyZszU

— KSR (@KSRonX) April 9, 2024

Again, this has become a complex relationship regarding Calipari and Kentucky. It was one that started so, so well but one that took a turn in the past five years. That then bottomed out with where he is now, which is leaving for Arkansas.

Calipari ran the state, and, in a sense, was running college basketball, with what he did in his first decade. His first six years brought them back to a national spotlight with a record of 190-38 (.833) with six conference titles, five NCAA Tournament selections, and three Final Fours with one national title. That’s not to mention the standard that he set in recruiting and in draft picks to generate such a run.

The next five years came down from that high a tad but was still successful. That span had a mark of 140-39 (.782) with six league championships, what would’ve been a bracket berth in every season had it not been for the pandemic, and three finishes in their regional rounds, including two Elite Eights.

Since then, though, that marriage took a turn toward what eventually became this divorce. These four years have a record of 80-46 (.635), including a program-worst finish of 9-16 in ’20-’21. It also has no postseason wins to show for it. They won no regular-season crowns in the SEC while posting a 2-7 record in tournaments. Among those losses are two of the team’s worst all-time to Saint Peter’s in 2022 and to Oakland in 2024.

If that wasn’t enough, Calipari’s off-court relationships had reportedly strained with many. That includes with his athletic director, the school’s football coach, and those within or around the program. It also, possibly most importantly, includes the fanbase.

Calipari’s legacy in Lexington is going to be trickier to remember than some may think. Most will remember the best of it, a few will only judge him for the worst of it, and they’ll all come together to recall both what was in his early years and what could have been in his final ones.

Still, while it might be ending messier than previously imaginable, these select fans are going with gratitude when it comes to their personal farewell to the Caliparis.