Calipari may leave Memphis for Kentucky
Why
It appears Kentucky is close to closing the deal to make John Calipari its next basketball coach, if indeed it isn't already done. WHAS/Channel 11 News in Kentucky says it has learned Calipari has decided to take the school's offer. The Lexington Herald-Leader reports that UK president Lee Todd wouldn't confirm negotiations with Calipari, but said the process of signing a new coach was "going to move quickly." At Memphis, Calipari's incoming class is considered the nation's best, and he's expected to bring some of those recruits with him to Kentucky. That could create one potential stumbling block, because fired former UK coach Billy Gillispie committed to several young players, including eighth-grader Michael Avery. Todd had said those commitments would be honored, but now is backing off. "I've got to go through that," Todd told the Herald-Leader today. "That's something I have thought about and have some concern with." ESPN is reporting Kentucky's offer is believed to be $35 million for eight years. In Memphis, the Commercial Appeal is reporting that one recruit has been promised he will be allowed out of his commitment to the University of Memphis, if Calipari leaves. Carol Dennis, the mother of Nolan Dennis, told the newspaper about the addendum to her son's letter-of-intent. "We had anticipated on coming to Memphis for Mr. Calipari, and we had a letter that if he leaves, then we get to either follow or start all over again, but I don't know," she said. "Nolan is in agony. I'm assuring you that I hope he stays. The waiting game continues on whether Memphis Coach John Calipari will replace former UK Coach Billy Gillispie. The University of Memphis gave UK permission to speak with Coach Calipari about the Wildcats' coaching position. The Memphis athletics director confirmed Calipari, who has led Memphis to four consecutive sweet 16 appearances, will meet with UK officials. Rivals.com reports Calipari turned down a counter offer from Memphis and is coming to UK for a 40 million dollar, six year deal. UK has not confirmed those reports and when asked about the search at another event Monday afternoon, UK President Dr. Lee Todd had little to say about the Calipari situation. All this comes as businesses, advertisers and even the University scramble to wipe the slate clean of former Coach Billy Gillispie. So now in the wake of reports that Calipari is headed to UK, there are reports that Memphis has asked for permission to talk with Missouri Coach Mike Anderson. Calipari met with his players Monday reportedly leaving the impression that he would be leaving, calling UK the Notre Dame of College basketball. Earlier reports had Calipari meeting with UK representatives Sunday, although permission from Memphis for Kentucky to talk with its head coach never came until Monday. If UK hires Calipari in the next 24 hours, it will be a fast process compared to the transition from Tubby Smith to Billy Gillispie. On March 22nd, 2007 Tubby resigned as UK basketball coach to take the job at the University of Minnesota. It was another two weeks before a new coach was hired, and introduced to UK fans. Billy Gillispie took the wildcat coaching job on April 6th, 2007, 15 days after Tubby Smith announced he was leaving. Gillispie lasted less than two years. He was dismissed from UK last Friday, March 27th.
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References:
http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/the_sporting_blog/entry/view/22586/calipari_kentucky_is_like_hawaii_bowl_champs,http://uponfurtherreview.kansascity.com/?q=node/811,http://blogs.usatoday.com/gameon/2009/03/whos-in-your--3.html,http://www.volunteertv.com/sports/headlines/42158872.html
