John Calipari appeared on his radio show Monday as questions remain about his future as the Kentucky men’s basketball head coach.

Since losing to Oakland in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament, Calipari’s Kentucky future has been considered uncertain. UK insider Matt Jones of Kentucky Sports Radio stated Saturday that it was all up to athletic director Mitch Barnhart. Jones indicated that Calipari’s buyout of $33 million would not be an obstacle if the AD sought a coaching change.

Barnhart’s final decision is expected to come after his annual postseason meeting with Calipari. The long-time head coach indicated on Monday that would be happening in the next few days, likely Tuesday.

Ahead of his annual postseason meeting with Barnhart, Calipari made it clear that he expects to be for the 2024-25 campaign. He touched on a long list of topics regarding the 2023-24 and the future of the program.

Early on in the radio show, Calipari expressed his love and appreciation for the Kentucky job. He is certainly aware that Big Blue Nation isn’t happy with another early exit from the NCAA Tournament, embracing criticism, saying it should be on him. There was a feeling of Calipari campaigning with BBN to remain the head coach.

*Post edited for language

Calipari stated that he embraces Kentucky’s high standards. His personal standards are making it deep into the NCAA Tournament, competing for national titles and winning national titles. UK’s last Elite 8 appearance was in 2019. Earlier in Calipari’s tenure, Kentucky had a successful run from 2012-2015 of 3 Final Four appearances, including the national title in ’12.

Calipari open to changing approach

For fans, the most interesting parts of Calipari’s radio show might be his ideas on what could change next year.

Calipari has been criticized for a heavy reliance on freshman talent. Veteran teams tend to succeed in March. Calipari is open to the idea of building a more mature roster.

“We need to get older,” Calipari said. “So, first, who’s coming back? Does that make us older? Then, it’s the freshmen coming in. I like this group because there’s physicality. And then you look at the portal and say, ‘Who is that guy or two who will make us older and more physical and will add to what this group needs?'”

Calipari also suggested that UK’s scouting approach could change

“We will evaluate how we do it,” Calipari said on Monday’s show. “For the Auburn game we didn’t give them much and I took the scouting report off the board and said “just fight” because we didn’t want to overwhelm them.”

For many years, BBN has heard Calipari talk the talk. If given the chance to return, he may finally have to walk the walk.

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