How long can it take to completely get over a coach, no matter who he is and what he has previously done? Discontent with John Calipari is growing. Not so long ago, he was one of college basketball’s brightest coaches. Now, questions are being asked about the future of the Hall of Famer who led the Wildcats to a 2012 National Championship. When Calipari finds himself at a crossroads, the same familiar face is ushered into the light. He is defying age and expectations and is on the brink of ending a 33-year drought.

A contrast between Calipari’s tough season and the rebirth of St. John’s under Rick Pitino was discussed on a recent episode of the Field of 68: After Dark podcast with John Fanta and CJ Moore. While it is apparent one coach has faced difficulties in adapting, the other appears on the brink of something great. 

It couldn’t be more striking. St. John’s current success carries quite a historical weight. “They haven’t won a Big East regular season crown for as identifiable of a brand as they are with the Big East. They haven’t won the conference since 1992. And you get chills when you say it because that was Luke Carra’s last year,” said Fanta.

That 33-year drought puts Pitino’s achievements in an even bigger light. If he pulls off a Big East title this season, it’ll be one of the most incredible comebacks in college basketball. 

Undoubtedly, St. John’s has been making waves under Pitino’s leadership. As of February 2025, the team holds an impressive 11-1 record in the Big East, their best start since the 1984-85 season. Pitino’s mastery as a coach has them on track to claim their first Big East championship in decades. His longevity as a coach has shown his ability to rebuild and reignite a powerhouse that had been dormant for so long. Compare that to John Calipari’s current situation, which seems like a world apart now.

CJ Moore, on the podcast, summed up Calipari’s challenges with a blunt reality check. “It happens earlier than 72; usually, the game passes them by. Look at what’s happening to John Calipari.” But Calipari’s troubles are not unique—many aging coaches are left fighting an uphill battle, whether it is due to the incoming talent or lack thereof, or the NIL environment changing the landscape.

Moore mentioned the exits of other coaching legends, such as Jim Boeheim and Roy Williams. “You know, there’s Beheim at the end. I grew up with Roy Williams’ basketball; I know John, and I know you (John) love Roy. But even Roy, at the end, I think he got out at the right time. And the fact that Pitino just continues to win and win and win is incredible.”

Looks like the pressure is on for Calipari. While Pitino appears to have found a way to stay relevant, Calipari is suddenly facing the possibility that he could be running out of time in Arkansas.

Can John Calipari turn it around for Arkansas?

Pitino, in St. Johns, did more than win games. It was about how he was able to coach his team. The way he was able to get that team to play, a way that was beyond the current trends of college basketball. His players they guard, they hustle, and they play smart. John Calipari might need to channel some of that adaptability if he’s to find success again. 

It has been no smooth ride for him in his first season with the Razorbacks. He has got off to a rocky start and fans have questioned whether he can turn it around. Arkansas started SEC play at 0–5 and has the 248th ranked three-point shooting percentage. However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel: their recent surprise victory over No. 12 Kentucky at Rupp Arena is teasing a turn around. Can they do it?

That win was a rare bright spot, but there’s still a long way to go before Calipari can claim success in Arkansas. But it will not be easy to turn this season around. Maybe John Calipari’s winning history in late seasons and in making roster changes, will be his way back to relevancy. But Arkansas doesn’t have much room for error. 

The Razorbacks now risk missing the NCAA tournament altogether and 2025 could be remembered as a year of transition rather than a year of revival. Everything will be defined in the next few weeks. These moments either can be a turning point in the career of Calipari or another cautionary tale in the fast moving world of college basketball.