John Calipari's New and Massive Contract With Kentucky is Exactly What He Deserves
By Charles Nason
Legendary Kentucky men's basketball coach John Calipari officially agreed to a new contract with the school on Thursday. The massive deal, which pays Calipari $86 million over 10 years, would keep the coach with Kentucky through 2029, essentually a lifetime agreement.
That deal seems pretty insane for a 60 year-old coach that's already been with the team for 10 years. However, if you're Kentucky, why wouldn't you lock up one of the best coaches in college basketball history?
Kentucky breaks the bank to lock up Calipari. ?? https://t.co/TnK8hVRbNH pic.twitter.com/7uJL4wXWwI
— theScore (@theScore) June 13, 2019
Calipari's stats with the Wildcats are ridiculous. They include nine NCAA Tournament appearances, seven trips to the Elite Eight, four to the Final Four, and a national championship in 2012. After leading his team to the Elite Eight this past year as he neared the end of his current contract, Coach Cal was deserving of a new and expensive deal. And he's secured the bag in a big way.
The deal doesn't necessarily mean that Calipari will be coaching Kentucky for the full 10-year period. After six years, Calipari will have the option to step down as head coach and assume a new role with the school's athletic department.
UK has announced an agreement with John Calipari on a 10yr, $86M contract extension. As per the agreement, Cal will have the opportunity after 6yrs to step down as coach & become a 'special assistant to the athletics director/university representative' at a salary of $950,000. pic.twitter.com/ZItQH5OfYb
— Big Blue Nation (@BigBlue9ation) June 13, 2019
It's safe to say the coach Calipari earned his new contract. While it's certainly a lot of money for Kentucky to shell out, it ensures that Calipari will likely maintain a lifetime relationship with the school.