OFFICIAL | Calipari, Barnhart confirm that the Hall of Fame coach has left Kentucky

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- University of Kentucky athletics director Mitch Barnhart has officially acknowledged what has been reported for more than 24 hours nationally -- Hall of Fame coach John Calipari is leaving the school's storied men's basketball program.

Calipari is expected to accept a lucrative deal to become head coach at Southeastern Conference rival Arkansas.

We're appreciative of John Calipari leading our program for the last 15 years, adding to the legacy of championship success at Kentucky. We're grateful to John for his many contributions to the University, and our state, both on and off the court.
— Mitch Barnhart (@UKMitchBarnhart) April 9, 2024

"We're appreciative of John Calipari leading our program for the last 15 years, adding to the legacy of championship success at Kentucky," Barnhart said on his X account. "We're grateful to John for his many contributions to the University, and our state, both on and off the court. We are working diligently to hire a proven, highly dedicated coach who embraces the importance of this program to our fans and the state of Kentucky."

The post comes in response to a video posted by Calipari, who said, "The last few weeks, we've come to realize, that this program probably needs to hear another voice. ... The fans probably need to hear another voice. We've loved it here, but we think it's time for us to step away, and step away completely from the program. There have been opportunities that have been presented to us, and we're discussing them as a program. I loved this year's team. I loved every day of coaching them."