Highest Paid NCAA Coach John Calipari’s $ 86 Million Might Be in Peril as Kentucky’s Next Move Faces Scrutiny

The current head coach of Kentucky is currently facing intense scrutiny as he battles multiple challenges that threaten his position. However, if we take a trip back to 2015, we find John Calipari at the pinnacle of his reign as the NCAA’s top coach. In that year, he led Kentucky to the Final Four for the fourth time in five years, boasting an unmatched 38-0 record. This exceptional season gave him the opportunity to vie for his second national title, making it one of the greatest seasons ever witnessed.

It’s worth noting that Calipari is also the highest-paid coach in the NCAA, having signed a 10-year, $86 million contract in 2019. This agreement, which runs until 2029, ensures that he will remain in Kentucky until his retirement, with the terms being fully guaranteed. While his regular salary stands at $400,000, he also receives additional compensation amounting to over $8 million annually.

Is John Calipari’s job in jeopardy?

It was on April 5, 2015, in Indianapolis, with just five minutes left on the clock, that Calipari’s Wildcats held a four-point lead against Wisconsin, appearing poised for a title-game showdown with Duke and Coach Mike Krzyzewski. However, Calipari made a controversial decision. He told his team, which included seven future NBA draft selections, to play stall ball, deflating the basketball and ultimately losing the game.

Since then, Calipari has lost track and never led a team to the Finals for past years. It’s high time he is experiencing a battle of keeping up his job. They have won one tournament game in the last four years. John Calipari owes 33 million dollars this season. But basketball experts suggest that Kentucky may not fire Calipari because they cannot afford it. And there are no underlying possible names to fulfill his duty.

On the other hand, Kentucky faces a struggle as the NBA draft depth is thin. There are possibilities for a reduction in admissions on the basis of NCAA aspects, as kids may find other universities alluring with NBA drafts, which poses a great threat to them.

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What’s next for Kentucky and John Calipari?

The pressure on both Kentucky and John Calipari is immense. After a devastating first-round loss to 15-seed Saint Peter’s in 2022, Kentucky had a somewhat disappointing season with a 22-12 record. They were also eliminated in the second round of the NCAA Tournament by Kansas State, which marked Coach Cal’s second early departure.

However, this year’s squad boasted an impressive roster of talented freshman players. If Kentucky were to decide to part ways with Calipari, he would receive a staggering $39.75 million in compensation. The stakes are high for Kentucky as they consider their next move, with the potential financial risks involved.

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