Report: Arkansas hiring John Calipari as its next head coach

Arkansas has its next head man. On Sunday, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported the program is signing Kentucky’s John Calipari to a five-year deal to be the Razorbacks’ next head coach.

Calipari is coming off a disappointing postseason. Kentucky fell in its opening matchup against Texas A&M in the SEC Tournament. The team’s nightmare scenario only worsened when it lost to No. 14 seed Oakland in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Kentucky has only won one game in the Big Dance in the past five seasons. Despite Calipari’s recent struggles, he boasts a stunning résumé. In Calipari’s 15 seasons at the helm of Kentucky, he has a 410-122 record, three Final Four appearances in 2011, 2014 and 2015 and a national title in 2012.

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Kentucky allegedly considered parting ways with John Calipari this offseason. However, the 65-year-old head coach possesses a massive $33 million buyout, the largest in the country. Now, per KSR’s Matt Jones, neither Kentucky nor Arkansas will have to pay the hall-of-fame head coach’s buyout fee.

Arkansas previously was reportedly in discussion with Kansas State head coach Jerome Tang and Ole Miss head coach Chris Beard. Instead, the Razorbacks have reeled in one of the biggest fish in the pond: John Calipari. He will replace former head coach Eric Musselman.

Eric Musselman leaves Arkansas for USC

After five seasons with the program, Musselman left Arkansas to become the next head coach at USC. He will be replacing Andy Enfield, who also left in favor of the SMU Mustangs.

Musselman penned a heartfelt goodbye to Arkansas shortly after his hire was made official by USC. Thanking everyone involved with the program, Musselman spoke on behalf of his family.

“The last five years have been so special for my family and I,” Musselman said. “They have been filled with so many moments that I will remember for the rest of my life. I hope this time gave you some special moments, too.

“Thank you, Razorback fans. You are among the most passionate, knowledgeable, and dedicated in the country.

While the 2023-2024 season did not go how Musselman planned, he still had an immense amount of success at Arkansas. Musselman made three NCAA Tournament appearances with the program, each reaching the second weekend. In total, Musselman guided the Razorbacks to two Elite Eights and a Sweet Sixteen.

Musselman’s regular season record was more than respectable, as well. He finished 111-59 while at Arkansas and 47-42 against SEC foes. However, Musselman was never able to secure a conference championship with the Razorbacks. Calipari will look to accomplish what Musselman could not.