As 2025 kicks off and teams focus on capitalizing on every opportunity, the Razorbacks have struggled to secure a win. With the team still searching for their first conference win, currently sitting second-to-last in the SEC, and going winless in the last five matchups, John Calipari’s tenure is under threat.

Rival coaches have even suggested that the once-legendary coach is “becoming archaic,” raising doubts about his ability to adapt to the modern landscape of college basketball.

Calipari was brought in to make Arkansas fans forget about Eric Musselman, who had revitalized the program with two Elite Eight appearances and a Sweet 16 in just five seasons before leaving for USC. But now, it’s not just Arkansas fans who are wondering if time has passed the 65-year-old John Calipari by.

Jeff Goodman, co-founder of Field of 68, recently made a statement—not in a video, but in an article, “The pieces don’t fit…Can’t adapt…Outdated…Just a few things opposing SEC coaches said about Cal and the Razorbacks.” 

Out of Arkansas, only three high-major pro programs are still looking for their first league win: South Carolina, Miami, and Colorado. It’s not the company Arkansas fans expected to be in when they welcomed Calipari. And if that alone isn’t a cause to worry, here’s something else: in today’s college basketball landscape, where experienced transfers are taking center stage instead of freshmen, it’s unclear if Calipari’s style still fits.

A point a rival SEC head coach did not bother hiding. “There’s just no fear now when I see him on the other sideline. The game has changed and he is becoming archaic,” said the HC to Hoops HQ. 

A harsh reality, for sure!

This past offseason saw 16 high-major coaching changes, and Calipari is the only one still without a league win. Even DePaul’s Chris Holtmann ended a 39-game Big East losing streak last week. To make matters worse for Calipari, his replacement at Kentucky, Mark Pope has the Wildcats at 14-4 and ranked in the Top 10.

John Calipari’s Struggles in the SEC

Calipari was once able to rely on out-talenting his opponents, whether it was at UMass, Memphis, or during his time at Kentucky. His ability to recruit top talent often masked his shortcomings. But now, in the SEC, where talent levels are more balanced, both he and his staff are starting to face the reality of their limitations.

Calipari’s team continues to struggle with shooting, a persistent issue during his time at Kentucky. Ranked 202nd in three-point percentage and 216th in makes, the Razorbacks’ offense is struggling. Johnell Davis, once an All-American candidate, looks completely out of sync under Calipari.

Last season, he scored 35 points in a win over Arizona, but at Arkansas, he’s averaging just 8.3 points, shooting a career-low 41%. “He doesn’t play freely at all under Calipari,” said an opposing coach. “He doesn’t know where his shots are, so he looks skittish and lost.”

With Arkansas sitting at the bottom of the SEC and Calipari still searching for his first league win, the pressure is mounting. Rival coaches have made their opinions clear—Cal’s time may be running out, and the end times for his tenure at Arkansas could be fast approaching.