John Calipari Responds To Ucla Rumor Says His Plan Is To Retire At Kentucky

This year, Calipari reportedly is interested in leaving Kentucky for UCLA, which needs a full-time replacement for the fired Steve Alford. According to 247Sports.com, there’s “buzz” about a possible Calipari move:

Calipari responded Wednesday night on Twitter, pledging allegiance to Big Blue Nation:

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Calipari’s name has come up regularly over the past few years when there have been openings in the NBA. A partial list of the times he has said no to the pros:

In 2017, he told Sporting News’ Mike DeCourcy he was not interested in replacing Phil Jackson as the Knicks’ president.

In 2016, he tamped down rumors he was leaving UK for the Nets, Kings and Lakers.

In 2015, he reportedly turned down $80 million to coach the LeBron James-Kyrie Irving Cavaliers, and he also reportedly said no to the Pelicans.

Calipari, 60, is signed through 2024 after agreeing to a two-year contract extension in 2017. He is making $8 million a season to coach the Wildcats, who will face Abilene Christian on Thursday in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.