Amidst Rumors of Potential Retirement, Arkansas Head Coach John Calipari Sheds Light on Biggest Takeaway from “Fifteen Unbelievable Years”

Arkansas coach John Calipari has shed light on the biggest takeaway from his coaching stint in Kentucky, and that was more valuable than the national championship he won in 2012. Calipari, who coached the Wildcats for 15 years before being dismissed at the end of this season, appeared on The Pat McAfee Show on Wednesday.

He told host Pat McAfee that he valued his tenure at Kentucky for the opportunity to help his players prepare for the next level and for the friendships he made. Calipari won many games by teaching his prospects the right way.

“Look, I’ve had a ball doing it,” Calipari told McAfee. “I wasn’t ready to stop but I was ready to – let me get this thing going. Fifteen unbelievable years, great friends, won a lot of games, did a lot of stuff. I’m just as excited about doing this now and let’s see where this goes.”

The 65-year-old coach, who was the show’s guest just hours after the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft concluded and the second round was about to begin, said he was motivated every day by the notion that he has been able to help these prospects and their families develop into future NBA stars.

Calipari mentioned that a simple hug from his players made him feel satisfied with the hard work and sacrifices he had made for them.

“As long as I’m helping young people, we’re helping families, and changing lives that way, I kind of get inspired. Like, I’ll be at the draft tonight. ‘Why do you go?’ – it’s graduation night! I’m going to go watch the students walk across that stage. I get a hug. That’s part of the deal. You’re coming with me but, when you get up on that stage, I better get a hug somewhere.”

As of the first day of the NBA Draft, the veteran coach has had 49 Kentucky players selected, including three No. 1 picks (Anthony Davis, John Wall, and Karl-Anthony Towns), 25 lottery selections, and 37 first-rounders.

John Calipari Acknowledges His Coaching Career is Almost Up

During the interview, John Calipari talked about his future as the coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks. He acknowledged he’s closer to retirement but his desire to help more young players reach their goals keeps him going.

“I don’t know how long that will be. But, you know, I’ve always tried to be ahead. I know – I got a couple places so that, when I’m done, I don’t have to, like, stay somewhere. I can go where I need to go,” Calipari said.

He said that helping 30 or more families live their dreams meant a lot to him, comparable to winning games and championships as a coach. Calipari also admitted that at his current age, he isn’t worried about winning or losing games as long as he’s there to motivate his team.