John Calipari was keeping his lips sealed over rumors that he was closing in on a deal to become the next head coach at the University of Arkansas.
Calipari was spotted outside near his home on Monday afternoon and declined to comment to WKYT when he was approached while walking his dog.
“No, I don’t, I’m walking my dog right now,” Calipari responded when he was asked if he had a message to his fans.
“Nah, I’m good. I’m good,” he said after he was probed with another attempt for a comment.
Calipari proceeded to walk down the street with his dog right behind him.
News of Calipari’s pending departure gained traction late Sunday night after CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander reported that he and the University of Arkansas were in “serious talks” over the job and shortly after ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported the two sides had been finalizing a five-year contract with a base salary of just under $8.5 million.
The Razorbacks appeared to have a bit of help in swaying Calipari their way thanks to his connection to Arkansas donor John Tyson, the heir to the Tyson Foods empire.
The two recently played golf as chatter had increased that former Razorbacks coach Eric Musselman was planning to depart for USC, according to Fox Sports.
Calipari had also been developing “bad feelings” about the situation in Lexington and a lack of support led to a feeling of being unwanted,” the outlet also reported.
Kentucky fans had begun to feel restless after several seasons where the team failed to live up to expectations, including two years in which they were knocked out by a No. 15 and No. 14 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Calipari has led the Wildcats to a 410-123 record under his watch and helped them win a national title in 2012.
