John Calipari, 66, is entering his second year as the head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks, marking his fourth stop in the college basketball world. While he’s had a brief stint in the NBA, it didn’t yield much success, making his return to college coaching a more fruitful path.
His time with the New Jersey Nets was underwhelming, producing just 72 wins in 184 games and only one playoff appearance. Although Calipari has firmly reestablished himself in the college ranks, the possibility of another NBA opportunity could still be intriguing.
In 2020, Calipari was rumored to be in the running for the New York Knicks job before Tom Thibodeau was ultimately selected. With that role now vacant again, his name is once more being mentioned as a potential candidate.
Adam Zagoria of NJ.com recently reported on the renewed speculation and Calipari’s comments.
“I’ve been at Arkansas just one year,” Calipari said during an appearance on ‘Golic and Golic’ via FanDuel Sports Network. “The people here have shown great commitment to me personally. I’m coaching at Arkansas. That said, the Knicks have a fantastic organization and an excellent team. But it’s not a job for everyone. You guys know coaching the Knicks is like coaching certain college programs—it’s demanding. Still, everything you need to win is there, and it’s New York City. Whoever gets that job is getting a great opportunity.”
Calipari has compiled a Hall of Fame career. Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015, he led Arkansas to a 22-14 record and a Sweet 16 finish last season.
Prior to joining Arkansas, Calipari spent 15 seasons at Kentucky, amassing 410 wins and reaching the Final Four four times. His 2011-12 team won the national championship, while the 2013-14 squad was the NCAA runner-up. The Wildcats also reached the Final Four in 2010-11 and 2014-15 and made the Elite Eight six times in an eight-year stretch.
Calipari was honored as the AP College Coach of the Year in 2015. He’s also received the Naismith Coach of the Year award three times (1996, 2008, 2015) and was named Basketball Times’ Coach of the Year in both 1996 and 2009.
Though his name is circulating once more in connection with the Knicks opening, for now, Calipari appears happy to remain in Fayetteville.