John Calipari closing in on deal with Arkansas: Ex-Kentucky coach taking over Razorbacks is 'imminent'

Calipari and Arkansas are expected to officially agree to terms in a volcanic shakeup to college basketball

By Cameron Salerno  & Matt Norlander Apr 9, 2024 at 2:33 pm ET• 4 min read

Kentucky coach John Calipari is expected to sign a contract to become the next coach at Arkansas, sources told CBS Sports. Calipari met with multiple Kentucky athletic administrators Monday afternoon, but UK athletic director Mitch Barnhart was not one of them, a source told CBS Sports. Calipari still has not signed a contract with Arkansas, but on Tuesday, the legendary coach posted a video to social media confirming his departure from Kentucky after 15 seasons leading the Wildcats. 

Calipari and power players at Arkansas were involved in serious talks over the weekend, and by Sunday night, the school and Calipari entered into a verbal agreement, according to CBS Sports' Matt Norlander. One source said Calipari becoming the Arkansas coach is "imminent" and a deal could could be finalized as soon as Tuesday.  

Calipari's deal is expected to be for five years and pay north of $8 million. The school's biggest donors are also expected to inject millions more into Arkansas' NIL collective, potentially putting the program atop the list in the sport for the largest pool of resources. 

Sources told Norlander that the family of John Tyson, Arkansas Athletics' biggest donor, is prepared to make a major commitment to land Calipari and pour millions into the men's basketball program. Calipari has a longstanding close relationship with the Tyson family.