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Big Blue insider Dick Gabriel offered further confirmation on Tuesday that the University of Kentucky was ready to turn the page on John Calipari.
According to the longtime Wildcats broadcaster, Calipari reached out to the school about matching Arkansas’ offer and it declined. Sharing (via On3.com):
Calipari, going into that meeting with [athletic director] Mitch Barnhart, didn’t have much leverage. Mitch had the leverage. But now, when you’ve got somebody else in your corner who is a viable candidate for your services. I mean… this is Arkansas. Powerful school with deep, deep pockets and all kinds of booster money out there. … That’s leverage.
Calipari, as I’m told, said, here’s what it’s going to take to keep me and UK said, I don’t think so. As I understand it, now if the deal isn’t done, it’s going to be done. You have a fanbase that is unhappy, an institution that is not satisfied with what’s been happening. You’ve got another school that would be happy to have him. When you factor in the fans, this might be a win-win-win if such a thing is possible. That all depends, of course, on who Kentucky hires if and when Calipari does leave.
Additionally, CBS’ Matt Norlander reports that Kentucky has no interest in “salvaging matters” and is very much looking forward to moving on.
An announcement on Coach Cal’s reported five-year deal with the Razorbacks is expected as early as this afternoon.