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Post by Life's too short. on Mar 31, 2009 16:11:49 GMT -5
While John Calipari mulls an offer from the University of Kentucky to become its head basketball coach, officials and boosters from the University of Memphis were working into the night Monday to persuade him to stay. Though things appeared to be moving in the direction of Calipari leaving Memphis after nine seasons, afternoon and late-night meetings with some of the Tigers' biggest supporters were apparently dragging the process out, possibly into Tuesday. After seeing his players, Calipari then met with influential Memphis boosters on Monday afternoon, though there were mixed signals about the topic of the meeting. While it was initially characterized as a last-ditch effort to get Calipari to stay with boosters vowing to match any Kentucky offer, another source said Calipari was instead lobbying for former Tiger assistant and current UTEP coach Tony Barbee to be his replacement in Memphis. Among those said to be at the meeting were William B. Dunavant and John Stokes. Meanwhile, Memphis boosters continued their full-court press to convince Calipari to stay in discussions that were described as "intense," signaling that perhaps Calipari wasn't quite as ready to jump to Kentucky as initially thought.
Memphis Commercial Appeal
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Post by IrishNY on Mar 31, 2009 16:18:51 GMT -5
Could this be another Billy Donovan situation for UK...
I can understand why they boosters want Calipari to stay but if the guy is already halfway out the door...let him GO!
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Post by USCGamecocks on Mar 31, 2009 16:20:13 GMT -5
why should they let him go? I'm not sure the replacement they would get for him would be as good of a coach.
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WHO
Senator
I'm Back.... Prepare Your Angus!
Posts: 3,753
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Post by WHO on Mar 31, 2009 16:30:26 GMT -5
Memphis ought be happy he gave them 9 years...let him go to a Mecca of BB..maybe KY will lose focus on that football team.
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Post by IrishNY on Mar 31, 2009 16:35:43 GMT -5
why should they let him go? I'm not sure the replacement they would get for him would be as good of a coach. FTR, Let him go as in leave not suggesting firing him... IMHO, Calpiari does not want to be there or else he would have said he's happy at Memphis... Furthermore, I think Calpiari is a fantastic recruiter but a fair coach. He get tons of talent where he goes but they always seem to underachieve. Last but not least, did you see how poorly Calpari coached in the title game last year? A better coach would have won that game no doubt but then again said coach might not be able to recruit talent like Cal...
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Post by USCGamecocks on Mar 31, 2009 16:38:21 GMT -5
Nothing wrong with making the final four. I think the fact that he is taking all day today to decide says he is happy at Memphis. But if someone says we'll make you the highest paid college basketball coach, it's something you have to think about...pros and cons. It's a once in a lifetime offer for most, but it's not for everyone
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Post by IrishNY on Mar 31, 2009 16:59:08 GMT -5
Nothing wrong with making the final four. I think the fact that he is taking all day today to decide says he is happy at Memphis. But if someone says we'll make you the highest paid college basketball coach, it's something you have to think about...pros and cons. It's a once in a lifetime offer for most, but it's not for everyone Calpari has done a great job, no doubt. I still maintain that he is a much better recruiter than coach... I agree with the rest of what you said...I guess I'm just of the opinion that if a coach gets a once in a lifetime offer, you don't try and convince him to stay...don't get me wrong tell him why you want him to stay but leave it at that... IMHO, If I were Calpari, I would stay at Memphis...he's well paid, he's been there nine years, he's done very well. Besides look at what UK did to their last two coaches...
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Post by USCGamecocks on Mar 31, 2009 17:02:28 GMT -5
I would stay put as well. 3 Mill a year is plenty.
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Post by lsu20fan on Mar 31, 2009 17:12:19 GMT -5
I would stay put as well. 3 Mill a year is plenty. I thought it was 5 mil a year to stay at Memphis and 6.2 mil to go to KY. I didn't read it anywhere but heard it on talk radio yesterday afternoon. If true, either figure is ridiculous and other coaches will be licking their chops if the bar gets raised to this kind of pay. Hell I think that is more than professional football. You do have to figure though, that coaching at KY is one of the most prestigious jobs for basketball and look at the history of previous legendary coaches. They also pack their arena for home games but if you fail.............
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Post by IrishNY on Mar 31, 2009 17:15:06 GMT -5
I would stay put as well. 3 Mill a year is plenty. It sure is...
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Post by IrishNY on Mar 31, 2009 17:22:29 GMT -5
I would stay put as well. 3 Mill a year is plenty. I thought it was 5 mil a year to stay at Memphis and 6.2 mil to go to KY. I didn't read it anywhere but heard it on talk radio yesterday afternoon. If true, either figure is ridiculous and other coaches will be licking their chops if the bar gets raised to this kind of pay. Hell I think that is more than professional football. You do have to figure though, that coaching at KY is one of the most prestigious jobs for basketball and look at the history of previous legendary coaches. They also pack their arena for home games but if you fail............. Well said, newbie BTW, here's a +1 for ya
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Post by USCGamecocks on Mar 31, 2009 17:26:02 GMT -5
No 4.3 mill to go to UK. Billy D is highest paid coach at 3.5 mill I think.
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Post by USCGamecocks on Mar 31, 2009 17:29:13 GMT -5
There is a private plane scheduled to leave Memphis in a few minutes and land in Lexington tonight. That must be for Calipari.
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Post by tnsooner on Mar 31, 2009 17:48:38 GMT -5
We are hearing he is at campus saying goodbye to his players right now and a private jet is waiting at the airport to take him to Kentucky.
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Sho'nuff
Decurion
LSU Hotties!
Posts: 1,037
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Post by Sho'nuff on Mar 31, 2009 18:05:39 GMT -5
Yep, it's done. I think he should stay but damn, $4.5 is a whole lotta gas money!
Can you guess the commercial?
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