John Calipari 'at peace' with decision to leave Kentucky for Arkansas, reflects on journey to Sweet 16

There was frustration when John Calipari left Kentucky for Arkansas. There was passion when the Razorbacks head coach returned to Rupp Arena and defeated the Wildcats. However, with both teams now in the Sweet Sixteen, Calipari is at peace with his previous school.

“It was great for me and great for Kentucky. They’re doing great,” Calipari said during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. “You see my daughter, my wife, they’re into this just like I am, and we gave everything we had, but it was time. It was time. Now, someone could go in and match what we did over that period of time. I wish them well. I’m in another situation, and I’m at peace.

“I’m at peace with what went on. I’m not being revengeful. I went into Kentucky. We won that game. I was humble about it. I’m not like trying to beat them because they did this. None of that. I’m about these kids, and my job right now is to stay locked in.”

Calipari spent 15 seasons at the helm of Kentucky. However, the relationship between the Hall-of-Fame head coach and fans soured toward the end of his tenure after the Wildcats lost two first-round games in three years.

Despite Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart announcing Calipari would return for the 2024-25 season, the 66-year-old head coach accepted an offer from Arkansas shortly after, leaving Kentucky stunned. The Wildcats quickly moved on and rallied around new head coach Mark Pope.

Alas, Kentucky fans hadn’t forgotten about Calipari and many members of Big Blue Nation didn’t hesitate to share their disdain for the former ‘Cats coach. Early in Calipari’s first year at Arkansas, it looked like Kentucky fans were correct in their questioning of Calipari’s coaching abilities.

However, after downing Kentucky at home on Feb. 1, Calipari and his Razorbacks turned their season around, winning seven of their final 12 games against conference foes. In turn, the selection committee awarded Arkansas with a 10-seed in the NCAA Tournament.

The Razorbacks haven’t let the opportunity go to waste. Calipari defeated respected head coach Bill Self and his Kansas Jayhawks in the first round. In the second round, Calipari showed off his coaching prowess again, leading his team to a victory over Rick Pitino and 2-seed St. John’s.

Now, John Calipari isn’t worried about silencing his doubters from his former program. He’s worried about giving Arkansas fans something to cheer about. On Thursday, Arkansas will square off against 3-seed Texas Tech at 10:09 p.m. ET on TBS/TruTV. The winner will advance to the Elite Eight.