John Calipari's future is in Mitch Barnhart's hands, decision could be soon

Will John Calipari be the head coach at Kentucky moving forward? That’s for Mitch Barnhart to decide, weighing the current trajectory of the program and financial costs in what could be the most high-profile separation in recent college basketball memory.

It’d be an expensive breakup with a buyout of $33 million, if that’s the path he chooses. The Hall of Fame coach could also take another job elsewhere or make his way back to Lexington armed with a second-ranked recruiting class and potential returning talent, pushing all chips in on Final Four-or-bust campaign in 2024-25.

We may not have to wait long to find out, says KSR’s Matt Jones.

On one end, there is an expectation the money will be there if Barnhart decides to move in that direction. On the other, all is quiet on Barnhart’s end, creating a sense of uneasiness within the program this weekend.

“The decision is all in Barnhart’s hands. I get the sense that if he decides he wants to move on, the money will be there for reasons (Andy Staples) described in his video yesterday,” Jones wrote Saturday. “There is a sense of nervousness with everyone around the program (because) no one is really sure where Barnhart’s mind is right now on it.”

The biggest takeaway? There is internal support with his decision, no matter what it is. And the turnaround may be quick.

“I am told the University leadership is supportive of whatever he decides. I think we know something by Monday, if not before,” he added.

Here is where the UK Basketball situation stands right now:

The decision is all in Barnhart’s hands. I get the sense that if he decides he wants to move on, the money will be there for reasons @Andy_Staples described in his video yesterday.

There is a sense of nervousness with…

— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) March 23, 2024

A massive weekend is officially underway in Lexington.