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John Calipari has inked his new contract with Arkansas to officially become the program’s head basketball coach. Details of that deal have been made available to the public, with a few points of interest.
First are the perks that come along with the partnership, which include golf memberships and car loans. Second are the potential bonuses tied to postseason success.
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Calipari’s performance in the NCAA Tournament played a key role in his departure from Kentucky. After incredible showings across his first six seasons in Lexington, things tapered.
The Wildcats saw themselves in four Final Fours between 2010-2015, which included a national championship win in 2012, but they haven’t been back since.
Fans grew frustrated watching over the last three seasons, in particular, with the ‘Cats falling during the opening weekend on each occasion. Most recently, John Calipari’s bunch was upset by 14-seed Oakland in the first round.
Given the program’s status as a blue blood, many believed the results to be unacceptable.
While a $33M buyout kept the school from firing Coach Cal, tensions grew, leading to the change of scenery. “The fans need to hear another voice,” he said while addressing Big Blue Nation on Tuesday.
Now, Calipari’s voice will be heard in Fayetteville as he takes over a new program in the SEC.
— Hunter Yurachek (@HunterYurachek) April 10, 2024
John Calipari signed a 5-year contract with a salary starting at $7M.
But that’s just the beginning!
Built into that deal are a number of perks and potential bonuses – many of which are tied to the NCAA Tournament.
JOHN CALIPARI CONTRACT DETAILS
Salary: $7 million
Signing bonus: $1 million
Yearly retention bonus: $500KNCAA Tournament Bonus
– Appearance: $50K OR
– Round 2: $100,000 OR
– Sweet 16: $250K OR
– Final Four: $350K OR
– National title: $500KROLLOVERS/RAISES
– NCAA Tournament…— Brandon Marcello (@bmarcello) April 10, 2024
In order to unlock those add-ons, Calipari will need to reverse his recent course in the postseason. The coach is just 1-3 in his last three trips!
As far as other benefits go, he’ll be given membership to The Blessings Golf Club while getting a pair of car loans for personal use.
His $7M salary is technically a pay cut from the $8.5M number last seen in Lexington, but these perks along with a massive NIL budget could even things out.
Not a bad deal!