John Calipari is still friends with Crafts, believes Mark Pope will have success at Kentucky

The John Calipari era at Kentucky officially ended a month ago with the Hall of Fame head coach leaving Lexington for Arkansas, but the former UMass and Memphis head coach who spent 15 years in Lexington is not done saying his goodbye. As Calipari and Mark Pope both look to put the finishing construction touches on their first rosters, one coach decided to give one more final goodbye.

John Calipari went to X on Thursday evening and sent out another message to the Big Blue Nation. Apparently, the video released right after he left was not enough. Calipari believes in Mark Pope and wants the general public to know that he is still in good standing with two of the biggest power brokers in Kentucky athletics.

“Was in Lex letting friends know of our appreciation. Talked with Joe and Kelly Craft about our friendship and relationship,” John Calipari wrote on X. “They were a part of our journey. We are still friends.”

“Let me assure you all, that the fans nor the Crafts were part of our decision. ANOTHER VOICE WAS NEEDED! I like and respect Coach Pope. He and his staff will have success. My memories are of 15 great years. Thanks to all!!!”

The latest message was not the first instance where John Calipari said that another voice was needed for Kentucky basketball, but it was the first time the 65-year-old had publicly acknowledged his relationship with the Crafts and that it wasn’t a problem. There was rampant speculation that Calipari did not have good or healthy relationships with university administration or important boosters like the Craft. Calipari seemingly wants it on record that his relationship with the Crafts is good and that they are still friends.

John Calipari finished his Kentucky career with a 410-123 (.769) over 15 seasons that included five 30-win seasons, six SEC regular season titles, six SEC tournament titles, four Final Four appearances, and one national championship. Arkansas is hoping that SEC success will follow Calipari to Fayetteville. Kentucky is turning the page with Pope after the former 1996 national champion led BYU to the NCAA Tournament in 2024.

Before that page is turned, John Calipari is saying his final goodbyes in the Bluegrass.