As he settles into his new role, Hall of Fame Coach John Calipari has hinted at a potentially colossal rebuilding mission for the Arkansas Razorbacks.
Calipari"s appointment follows his prolonged and eventful coaching job at Kentucky, which came to an abrupt end following a disappointing first-round exit from this year"s March Madness.
His 15-year stretch in Kentucky has seen notable successes, including a national title in 2011-2012, and a commendable 410-122 record.
During his inaugural press conference as Arkansas new head coach, Calipari took the attendees by surprise. Asserting that there was no team as such at present
Quoting himself, he noted, “You know what, I"m jacked about a new opportunity. I"m like, `let"s go!` Now, I met with the team, there is no team. So now, I gotta… [sic] But we gotta get a roster together." And some of it is a little bit of everything, but we will. It may take a little longer, because there"re kids that put their name in the NBA Draft that are gonna go through…" Calipari exclaims.
"I met with the team. There is no team."
New Razorbacks coach John Calipari summing up the situation at Arkansas. pic.twitter.com/Gs21uJry8V
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 11, 2024
Eric Musselman, the former head coach who guided Arkansas for five seasons, has left behind some big shoes to fill.
Calipari stands as the replacement for Musselman, hopeful of rekindling the team"s lost glory.
Enterprising a new chapter, Calipari"s contract at Arkansas binds him for the coming five years with an expected yearly earnings of around $7 million in his first season, according to ESPN.
Despite a slight pay cut compared to his previous stint, the decorated college coach is raring to go.
