Kentucky football head coach Mark Stoops is excited for John Calipari’s next adventure.
After agreeing to a deal this week, Calipari is officially heading to Arkansas to coach the men’s basketball program. It’s a move that came out of nowhere but Stoops hopes Calipari will do well with the program.
“I would like to wish @ukcoachcalipari and his family well in their new endeavor. We spent 11 years working together and I really appreciate all they did for UK and the Commonwealth,” Stoops tweeted.
News of an impending deal came out on Monday when ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that Arkansas and Calipari were putting the finishing touches on a contract.
Calipari spent 15 seasons at Kentucky leading it to four Final Fours and a national title. He also led the Wildcats to 12 NCAA Tournament appearances
Before that, he coached the Memphis Tigers for nine seasons, leading them to a Final Four and six NCAA Tournament appearances.
His sixth Final Four appearance came during his time with the UMass Minutemen in 1996.
He’ll now try and guide the Hogs back to the NCAA Tournament (and potentially a Final Four appearance) after they missed the dance this season.