Cal to Texas?

[LineSkiCat14]

Yes that is totally stupid.It seems like it's becoming popular to blame fans for everything like missing on recruits.I don't see any truth to the rumors but Cal is a big boy and if he leaves it's totally his choice and it's crazy to blame the fans.

How?

It's crazy to think that if Cal leaves, it can't be in any way, caused by the fans.. or maybe more specifically, the pressure that comes with a fanbase like ours? I don't think Kentucky fans are isolated here, either.. this applies to Duke, UNC Kansas, etc.

Why is that so out of the question? And if it is, then what ARE his reasons for leaving? It won't be some easier roster to work with.. it won't be more money..

 

[weatherbird]

Do you know how old Cal is? How much do you think he will be coaching at a pressure cooker like UK after he reaches 70 years old?
If Cal stays until the end of this contract, it will probably be all he wants of any job.

Retirement looks better every day once you get past 60. Especially when the wheels fall off your dynasty and your legacy is taking a huge hit. People with big egos like Cal will find a way out, even if he has to blame the fans and leave the program in shambles.

Hope that doesn't happen but we are on the precipice of that every year Cal continues to rollover 75-90% of his roster with newcomers.

My response was to the lifetime tag. Yes, I know how old he is, and that people called it a lifetime contract because of that. I just wanted to make it clear that there is some misinformation out there about the contract, see below:

Just as Matt Jones said a few weeks back, John Calipari has $57 million reasons (3 years left on contract at $9 million per year, plus $1 million for life which we estimate at around 30 years left) why he will not leave Kentucky. Time to focus on who we are getting on this roster for next year because we need a BIG year

And Matt was wrong. UK's obligation to Cal ends in 2029, unless the contract is extended. I will admit that maybe there is a separate contract that is not published that does that, but the one published at UK does not extend past 2029. The contract gives him a $500,000 raise next year, and another $500,000 raise in 4 years after that, provided he continues to coach. After the 2024 season, he can elect to step down to an administrative role, which will pay him roughly 1 mil/yr until 2029. Those terms could be extended, but it is not guaranteed.

 

[hotelblue]

It would sure be a dick move after this disaster of a season.

yes to leave and save the university millions would be a disaster for those that want him gone. lol

 

[STL_Cat]

WHat IS our schedule looking like for next season? If we had to play the same first 8 teams we had this year... yeah, that's going to be several losses. If we get the schedule we had in say.. 2009/10? That should be an easy 7-8 wins.

I still can't understand this narrative about the early season schedule being so difficult this year for Kentucky. How many top 25 teams did we play in that opening 8 games ... 1? 1 top 25 team and it was a tough schedule? Just can't figure it out. Richmond? Georgia Tech? Notre Dame? Are those the tough teams we played?

 

[track42]

How?

It's crazy to think that if Cal leaves, it can't be in any way, caused by the fans.. or maybe more specifically, the pressure that comes with a fanbase like ours? I don't think Kentucky fans are isolated here, either.. this applies to Duke, UNC Kansas, etc.

Why is that so out of the question? And if it is, then what ARE his reasons for leaving? It won't be some easier roster to work with.. it won't be more money..

If a coach is so weak minded that he can't take any type of negativity he might need to find a new profession.

 

[Bluesnky]

If Cal left and UK hired KP it would be the most publicly amicable split you could possibly imagine.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

I still can't understand this narrative about the early season schedule being so difficult this year for Kentucky. How many top 25 teams did we play in that opening 8 games ... 1? 1 top 25 team and it was a tough schedule? Just can't figure it out. Richmond? Georgia Tech? Notre Dame? Are those the tough teams we played?

Why is top25 the cutoff? Is the 26th team substantially worse? The fact is, we played teams almost exclusively in the top100 in Kenpom. Only Morehead was out of that, I think at 125th-ish, which still means, they were a team that was just about in the top 3rd of college basketball.. which means they are, in fact, a good team.

Richmond, GaTech and ND are certainly better teams than Miami of Ohio, Sam Houston, and Rider. And it's undoubtedly easier to play THOSE 3 teams when you're young, than the other 3.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

If a coach is so weak minded that he can't take any type of negativity he might need to find a new profession.

I'm still waiting for his reason for leaving. If it's not caused by fan pressure, the day in and day out of dealing with a fanbase that demands results (and adhereing to their politics), then what reason would he leave? It's not for money. It's not to work with a better team. What would it be? Is he looking to go to Texas cause of the weather?

 

[Born and Raised Big Blue]

You really believe that Holtmann, Beard and Oats are upgrades over Cal??? Like, you seriously believe that?

I didn’t say that. I’m saying they would say yes to Kentucky. No I don’t think they are upgrades. I want cal here. I was just arguing your point on comparing coaches saying no to Indiana compared to Kentucky. We think the same on Cal.

 

[STL_Cat]

Why is top25 the cutoff? Is the 26th team substantially worse? The fact is, we played teams almost exclusively in the top100 in Kenpom. Only Morehead was out of that, I think at 125th-ish, which still means, they were a team that was just about in the top 3rd of college basketball.. which means they are, in fact, a good team.

Richmond, GaTech and ND are certainly better teams than Miami of Ohio, Sam Houston, and Rider. And it's undoubtedly easier to play THOSE 3 teams when you're young, than the other 3.

Well, top 25 is the cutoff because that's where they cut the rankings off and a lot of discussions regarding "schedule quality" revolve around top 25 opponents, always have.

I'll let you have it. I don't think we played a tough schedule at ALL. This is Kentucky freaking basketball for crying out loud. That was not a tough schedule. I won't change my mind on this one and certainly you won't either. We have very different ideas of what a "tough schedule" is.

 

[SmedMoley]

I'm still waiting for his reason for leaving. If it's not caused by fan pressure, the day in and day out of dealing with a fanbase that demands results (and adhereing to their politics), then what reason would he leave? It's not for money. It's not to work with a better team. What would it be? Is he looking to go to Texas cause of the weather?

Can't be fan pressure. He says he doesn't keep up with what the fans say, remember? He'd not know about our feelings on things.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

Can't be fan pressure. He says he doesn't keep up with what the fans say, remember? He'd not know about our feelings on things.

Then. What. Is. It?

I swear, next person to say "Well, it's not fan pressure!" is getting pistol whipped.

 

[kybassfan]

And the quitters dream on. . . .

 

[LineSkiCat14]

Well, top 25 is the cutoff because that's where they cut the rankings off and a lot of discussions regarding "schedule quality" revolve around top 25 opponents, always have.

I'll let you have it. I don't think we played a tough schedule at ALL. This is Kentucky freaking basketball for crying out loud. That was not a tough schedule. I won't change my mind on this one and certainly you won't either. We have very different ideas of what a "tough schedule" is.

Lol, our SOS says otherwise, but OK.

Regardless, the point is that Kentucky is almost for sure going to have an easier schedule next year. We'll have exhibition games, We'll have cupcakes, we won't be playing 70% of our OOC slate against power conference programs (5 of 7 OOC games were this year). That will lead to wins. Wins leads to cohesion and chemistry.

Or it should lol. If kentucky loses to the schedule that the John Wall team had.. now we're in big trouble lol.

 

[know1]

"It's time to rip the band aid off and start healing."

I'm not sure you understand the use of a band aid, but I'm not surprised by that either.

Oh I know. I realized as I typed it that it wasn't a great analogy for sure

 

[Bluesnky]

I'm still waiting for his reason for leaving. If it's not caused by fan pressure, the day in and day out of dealing with a fanbase that demands results (and adhereing to their politics), then what reason would he leave? It's not for money. It's not to work with a better team. What would it be? Is he looking to go to Texas cause of the weather?

“Boy, I was right when I said Kentucky is a place you don’t stay for more than 10 years.”

 

[struggler]

Re: "Fans running Cal off - HOF coach, etc?"

No disrespect - but when you go 9-16 - set records all season (not the good kind) - alienate a portion of the fanbase (not even talking about the kneeling) with the basketball benny crap and talk down to them - well... no one is running you off. Your job performance - esp. the 9-16 (team drama, losing players for various reasons) is in question. That's all. Esp. at UK - and he knows that.

Re: "No other coach - good coach - is going to want this job"

Just do not agree at all. There are many hungry young coaches that would welcome the opportunity. Proven with final fours? IDK - but many good coaches that would appreciate the tradition - the fanbase - the position - the commitment of the University and fanbase to a winning team and program. Tough/flawed fanbase - of course - but it would be sad for me to think this program/tradition/fanbase lives and dies by one coach. "Pressure is a Privilege"

I'm not big on negotiating from a position of fear. Fear of the unknown has kept many people in a bad place for a long time. Personally not willing to accept
9-16/status quo of last 5-6 seasons because I fear/do not know what's next. Mitch put together a terrible contact - one you cannot negotiate from - you just have to hope no one out bids you - or that Cal chooses not to leave. That said - There is no reason to lose hope that UK basketball is damaged goods just yet. Public relations is TOUGH in this cancel culture and you can bet many would use every negative tool possible against UK (It's a fear tactic being used very effectively at the moment) - but I think the fanbase - most of it - loves UK Bball, the program and tradition more than just a coach.

To be clear - not saying get rid of Cal (he's kinda doing that to himself)- he can try to fix it next season. I am saying if he chooses to leave - I do not think the sky is falling.

 

[CELTICAT]

I still can't understand this narrative about the early season schedule being so difficult this year for Kentucky. How many top 25 teams did we play in that opening 8 games ... 1? 1 top 25 team and it was a tough schedule? Just can't figure it out. Richmond? Georgia Tech? Notre Dame? Are those the tough teams we played?

Cal knew the team was hot garbage, and rather than falling on his sword from the jump, played the blame the fans card. Same thing with Sallis and the staff telling Kyle Tucker it was the fans fault.

 

[Jamal Mercer]

And the quitters dream on. . . .

Nobody....and I mean nobody, brings less to the conversation table than this guy.

Close 2nd would be kl450.....whatever those numbers are.

Cardstink clones.

 

[STL_Cat]

I mean I'm looking at Kenpom Richmond #65 and Notre Dame #84, we had them both at home. I mean come on. Those aren't "cupcakes" like the Kenpom sub-150s level cupcakes, but good grief this is Kentucky basketball. Young or not those should not be considered tough games by Kentucky standards. Small tests, maybe?

 

[Jamal Mercer]

I mean I'm looking at Kenpom Richmond #65 and Notre Dame #84, we had them both at home. I mean come on. Those aren't "cupcakes" like the Kenpom sub-150s level cupcakes, but good grief this is Kentucky basketball. Young or not those should not be considered tough games by Kentucky standards. Small tests, maybe?

I can’t handle the “schedule was tough” takes. Awful stuff.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

BTW, has anyone ever looked at past schedules? I picked a random one out.. 2014. It's pretty clear to me just how much easier 2014 was for a young team, than 2020 was. 5 teams below were ranked BELOW the worst team we played this year and all 5 were wins. That matters.. and below is the type of schedule we'll play next year, not what we played this year. Below is the type of schedule EVERY major program will play.

1	Fri, Nov 8, 2013	REG		North Carolina-Asheville	Big South	W	89	57		1	0	W 1	Rupp Arena
2	Sun, Nov 10, 2013	REG		Northern Kentucky	A-Sun	W	93	63		2	0	W 2	Rupp Arena
3	Tue, Nov 12, 2013	REG	N	Michigan State (2)	Big Ten	L	74	78		2	1	L 1	United Center
4	Sun, Nov 17, 2013	REG		Robert Morris	NEC	W	87	49		3	1	W 1	Rupp Arena
5	Tue, Nov 19, 2013	REG		Texas-Arlington	Sun Belt	W	105	76		4	1	W 2	Rupp Arena
6	Mon, Nov 25, 2013	REG		Cleveland State	Horizon	W	68	61		5	1	W 3	Rupp Arena
7	Wed, Nov 27, 2013	REG		Eastern Michigan	MAC	W	81	63		6	1	W 4	Rupp Arena
8	Sun, Dec 1, 2013	REG	N	Providence	Big East	W	79	65		7	1	W 5	Barclays Center
9	Fri, Dec 6, 2013	REG	N	Baylor (20)	Big 12	L	62	67		7	2	L 1	Cowboy's Stadium
10	Tue, Dec 10, 2013	REG		Boise State	MWC	W	70	55		8	2	W 1	Rupp Arena
11	Sat, Dec 14, 2013	REG	@	North Carolina (18)	ACC	L	77	82		8	3	L 1	Dean Smith Center
12	Sat, Dec 21, 2013	REG		Belmont	OVC	W	93	80		9	3	W 1	Rupp Arena
13	Sat, Dec 28, 2013	REG		Louisville (6)	AAC	W	73	66

 

[LineSkiCat14]

I mean I'm looking at Kenpom Richmond #65 and Notre Dame #84, we had them both at home. I mean come on. Those aren't "cupcakes" like the Kenpom sub-150s level cupcakes, but good grief this is Kentucky basketball. Young or not those should not be considered tough games by Kentucky standards. Small tests, maybe?

IDK what to say, we just don't agree here. teams in the top100 are still quality teams, and certainly not a given to beat them with such a young team. Now, if you're gripe is that Cal shoiuldn't be putting us in a situation where our teams are so young.. I agree, completely.

But we just watched Oral Roberts the other night. And Loyola. Even IF you have an experienced team, it's no given that you're going to beat a team in the top100. This isn't football.

 

[BBallin23]

What if Cal does stay, and misses the tourney two years in a row? Because it’s very possible. He’d have missed the tourney two years in a row, and hasn’t been to a final four since 2015 all while making $9 million a year? I’d think he’d get run out of town but some of you seem to be ok with that record. Look at the roster and the recruiting class, I see no game changers so it’s very possible they get a repeat year.

 

[SmedMoley]

Then. What. Is. It?

I swear, next person to say "Well, it's not fan pressure!" is getting pistol whipped.

Dude, I'm saying it is. Cal is full of ****. He knows what is said about him, by the fans. I thought you'd catch on to what I was saying.

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

A short list of possible coaches includes NOBODY who could possibly manage the ******** and expectations of the segment of unrealistic and envious UK fans. We will get what we deserve and have no one to blame but ourselves.

Thanks Ellen.

 

[ShadowFromHomewardBound]

I’m sure Texas would be thrilled with two E8s and an overall Top 10 program.

Some of you are stupid.

You’re a foolish man. Just foolish. Genuinely foolish. You’re at least halfway intelligent but you’re still pretty foolish.

It’s been explained and detailed a slew of times and you still keep spewing foolishness.

It’s ALMOST like you’re obtuse and contrary on purpose. Almost.

Next season we will go like 17-13 and being the foolish man that you are will screech from the rooftops (with doe eyed idolatry for John Calipari) “hOw muCH wE haVe iMproVeD”.

No sense in going back and forth tho as having a dialogue with you will prove fruitless. I am going to allow you to have the last word in this exchange.

Be well brother!

 

[CELTICAT]

You’re a foolish man. Just foolish.

It’s been explained and detailed a slew of times and you still keep spewing foolishness.

It’s ALMOST like you’re obtuse and contrary on purpose. Almost.

Next season we will go like 17-13 and being the foolish man that you are will screech from the rooftops (with doe eyed idolatry for John Calipari) “hOw muCH wE haVe iMproVeD”.

wHaT oThEr cOaCh cOuLd aLmOsT DOUBLE hiS wInS fRoM tHe pReViOuS yEaR?!

 

[RoyKent]

If Cal left and UK hired KP it would be the most publicly amicable split you could possibly imagine.

No it wouldn't. I have zero interest in Payne being the head coach at UK. Can't imagine many UK fans would be happy with that move at all.

 

[Bluesnky]

No it wouldn't. I have zero interest in Payne being the head coach at UK. Can't imagine many UK fans would be happy with that move at all.

That’s fine but between the school and ex-coach it would be publicly amicable.

 

[kybassfan]

Nobody....and I mean nobody, brings less to the conversation table than this guy.

Close 2nd would be kl450.....whatever those numbers are.

Cardstink clones.

So you think he’s actually going? That’s so damn funny!!!!

Yeah, bringing reality to the board really irritates a quitter because it just bursts the delusion. Sorry bout that... not.

 

[CB3UK]

A bunch of nonsense. Get real people. Sarkisian makes $5.2 mil a year there. You think they're gonna offer Cal $15 or 20 mil? You think their AD wants to answer questions why the boosters couldn't come up with the money to get Urban or someone in there, but will come up with Cal's buyout and the salary consideration it would take to sway him over the edge to leave to do a rebuild there this late in his career?

Reality is Cal is gonna be here a few more seasons and retire. This is what....season 12 or 13 for him? Just not even remotely concerned with this rumor.

 

[wcc31]

You’re a foolish man. Just foolish. Genuinely foolish. You’re at least halfway intelligent but you’re still pretty foolish.

It’s been explained and detailed a slew of times and you still keep spewing foolishness.

It’s ALMOST like you’re obtuse and contrary on purpose. Almost.

Next season we will go like 17-13 and being the foolish man that you are will screech from the rooftops (with doe eyed idolatry for John Calipari) “hOw muCH wE haVe iMproVeD”.

No sense in going back and forth tho as having a dialogue with you will prove fruitless. I am going to allow you to have the last word in this exchange.

Be well brother!

That was the nicest way anyone has ever told me to eff off. Appreciate that.

 

[JwUKFan11]

What am I on? High on life my friend.

And I said I don’t know what he’s doing. Read.

P.S.: The buyout means nothing.

No, what are you on about. Read. It was a joke because you’re typing all this nonsense.

 

[EliteBlue]

A bunch of nonsense. Get real people. Sarkisian makes $5.2 mil a year there. You think they're gonna offer Cal $15 or 20 mil? You think their AD wants to answer questions why the boosters couldn't come up with the money to get Urban or someone in there, but will come up with Cal's buyout and the salary consideration it would take to sway him over the edge to leave to do a rebuild there this late in his career.

Reality is Cal is gonna be here a few more seasons and retire. This is what....season 12 or 13 for him? Just not even remotely concerned with this rumor.

This is my thought as well.

I think all the smoke that makes someone think Cal would leave is very accurate. However, I think he doesn’t intend on coaching into his 70s. I think 65 is probably his stopping point and he will just retire

 

[BusStopD]

A bunch of nonsense. Get real people. Sarkisian makes $5.2 mil a year there. You think they're gonna offer Cal $15 or 20 mil? You think their AD wants to answer questions why the boosters couldn't come up with the money to get Urban or someone in there, but will come up with Cal's buyout and the salary consideration it would take to sway him over the edge to leave to do a rebuild there this late in his career.

Reality is Cal is gonna be here a few more seasons and retire. This is what....season 12 or 13 for him? Just not even remotely concerned with this rumor.

This is the clincher for me. Well said.

 

[yoshukai]

I’m sure Texas would be thrilled with two E8s and an overall Top 10 program.

Some of you are stupid.

Just like Minnesota was “thrilled “ to get Tubby. Just like we were “thrilled “ to get Bill Curry . Just like Texas Tech was “ thrilled “ to get HOF coach Bobby Knight .

 

[ukupay1]

This is simple- Cal isn't going anywhere this year- this is completely orchestrated by Cal and the team that works with Matt to get everyone back Loving Cal and hoping he stays... he isn't leaving on a losing Record..Period!

Lot's of work to do for next year but he isn't going to Texas or anywhere!

 

[nickhorvathsuxazz]

Bull crap!! UK has never needed just one coach. 5 different coaches with a title proves that. UK does not need Cal.

Beat me to it.

 

[yoshukai]

Possible but doubtful. But I could see Cal giving KP a heads-up call, "hey, you may want to wait a couple weeks before accepting any offers"

I can’t imagine anyone without head coaching experience being hired as coach of UK basketball.