John Calipari will remain Kentucky’s basketball coach for at least another season.

Following Calipari’s postseason meeting with UK athletic director Mitch Barnhart, Wildcats insider Matt Jones of Kentucky Sports Radio shared the news that Calipari is returning for 2024-25.

Kentucky’s Big Blue Nation has been vocally frustrated with the Cats’ March struggles this decade under Calipari.

UK last reached the 2nd weekend of the NCAA Tournament in 2019. The 2020 tourney was canceled. Kentucky missed the 2021 tourney and the last 3 years have been marked by opening-weekend exits.

Calipari, though, is getting a chance to right the ship.

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All about following through for Calipari

In the days between Kentucky’s loss to Oakland and Tuesday’s reported decision, the 2022 loss to Saint Peter’s was frequently referenced.

To some members of BBN, Calipari already got his “second chance” by returning for 2022-23 after the Saint Peter’s loss. While Calipari is getting another chance again, this time feels different.

From Friday morning to Tuesday evening, there was a national conversation of uncertainty surrounding Calipari’s status.

Monday night’s radio show had the feeling of Calipari making his case to remain head coach. He said seemingly all the right things to fans, but his words will only go so far.

Calipari embraced criticism and acknowledged that Kentucky has not been meeting the program’s high standards or Cal’s personal standards in recent years. It was a necessary acknowledgment, but that talk will have to be backed up on the court.

Kentucky has faced questions of relying too much on freshmen in March, a time when senior leadership is key, in recent years. On Monday night, Calipari said he wants an older roster to make the 2024-25 team more physical. BBN will be quick to tell you Cal has mentioned “physicality” many times over the years.

If Calipari follows through on his changes to roster management, as well as scouting, he may guide a team that can get him back in BBN’s good graces. If Cal’s Cats aren’t playing in the Sweet 16 next year, fans will ask why the plug wasn’t pulled after the Oakland game.