Coach Cal Reveals If He Was 'Pushed Out' Of Kentucky Program

by Larry Leo

June 20, 202414 Comments

While speaking with Dan Patrick, new Arkansas coach John Calipari addressed the narrative that he had been pushed out of Kentucky for a new voice after complaints from fans...[quote]“I don’t think that was the case,” said the head coach.

“But again, it had nothing to do with fans… Kentucky fans are engaged, they’re exactly what you want in a fan until you lose a game you’re not supposed to lose. Then they’re still engaged, so it had nothing to do with that.”

Calipari explained that he, personally, was ready for a new challenge. He also wished new Kentucky head coach Mark Pope well.

“Let it be good for both. I had 15 great years there. Let Mark Pope have 15 great years. Let me finish how I want to finish,” Calipari asked of fans and the media.[

"Let me build another program, let’s win another national championship, let’s help another 25 families. Let me do this.”/quote](The Spun)

Filed Under: Arkansas Sports

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Maytheporkbewithyou•4 months

No doubt Kentucky forced him out before anybody else could get (trying to keep a straight face) Mark Pope.

Tridentds•4 months

If you say “I don’t think that was the case”…. Then yes. They pushed your arse out and wanted to move on.

Clark14•4 months

The amount of talent he got at Kentucky was impressive but high school 5 stars can only carry you so far most of the time. He’ll need to cut back on that and get good players from the portal to help with experience.

15 years is a long time to stay at one place, many were ready to move on from Richardson here after he fell off after his championship. Me included. What he was doing wasn’t working anymore. Nature of the beast I guess, everyone has an expiration date.

TerryDawg03•4 months

He lost me prior to the tournament, when the reporter asked him if he was feeling pressure and he responded with, "What's the worst that happens? I've been through that already." Not the attitude that I want from a coach.

He won a title at UK and had a couple of great runs in 2014 and 2015, but nothing since. It was time for him to move on. Good luck at ARK. Hopefully their program can develop.

goodgrin•4 months

John "CaliMainariMiles" was looking for a new challenge. Sounds about right.

SwampyWaters•4 months

He was forced out and everybody in the sports world knows it. Wish him the best, but I wish one time a coach would be honest and quit dancing around the question.

Lord of the Hogs•4 months

The AD expected him back, he wasn’t pushed out.

SwampyWaters•4 months

He was forced out and everybody in the sports world knows it. Wish him the best, but I wish one time a coach would be honest and quit dancing around the question.

Sissidog02•4 months

You thought that your reply was sooooo good you had to say it twice. Kudos to U

Wichita Co Tiger•4 months

Let Cal continue to lose in the first round of the tournament. Let him do that.

ChatGPT of LA•4 months

He couldn't get it done there in the tourney, for whatever reason. It was time for both and worked out for Cal.

CNB•4 months

As if he’s gonna just come out and say “yep they forced me out, so now I’m here”

Lord of the Hogs•4 months

Kentucky AD fully expected Cal back.

Sissidog02•4 months

Riiiight?!?