LEXINGTON, Ky. — John Calipari announced his departure from the University of Kentucky on social media on April 9.
Calipari said a heartfelt goodbye to the Kentucky program but only said he was exploring other coaching options. He never confirmed whether that option included Arkansas or not.
ESPN reported on April 7 that Calipari is finalizing a five-year deal to become the Razorback's new leader. However, there have been no developments on that report.
The UA Board of Trustees is holding a special meeting on Wednesday at 10 a.m. to consider "a salary in excess of line item maximum for the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville," according to a press release sent Tuesday evening. Whether this is related to Calipari's hiring is unconfirmed at this time.
Kentucky's Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart, who recently said Calipari would return for a 16th season at the end of March, thanked Calipari for his time at Kentucky.
"We're appreciative of John Calipari leading our program for the last 15 years, adding to the legacy of championship success at Kentucky," Barnhart said. "We're grateful to John for his many contributions to the University, and our state, both on and off the court."
In the latest season, the Wildcats had an overall record of 23-10 (13-5 SEC).
In his 31 years as a college coach, Calipari has also coached at the University of Memphis for nine seasons and at the University of Massachusetts Amherst for eight seasons.
Calipari has guided six teams to the Final Four and led Kentucky to secure one national championship title in 2012.