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Mark Stoops of Kentucky Expresses Gratitude to John Calipari Years After Dispute over ‘Basketball School’ Label

Mark Stoops of Kentucky Expresses Gratitude to John Calipari Years After Dispute over ‘Basketball School’ Label



John Calipari and Mark Stoops have had their differences, but the Kentucky football coach had kind words for Calipari after he announced his departure from Lexington to take the head coaching job at Arkansas. Stoops took to social media to express his respect for Calipari, wishing him and his family well in their new endeavor. Calipari’s exit marked the end of a quiet rivalry in the Kentucky athletic department as the two coaches competed for resources. Stoops, who has led Kentucky football to unprecedented success, made bowl games in eight consecutive seasons with a 61-41 overall record. Calipari had previously sparked controversy by calling Kentucky a “basketball school” and demanding a new practice facility. Stoops defended his program’s accomplishments and refused to engage in a public feud. Despite attempts by the athletic director to downplay tensions, the relationship between Stoops and Calipari remained strained. The situation reached a boiling point after the 2023 season when Stoops was in talks with Texas A&M for their head coaching position but ultimately decided to stay at Kentucky. Stoops emerged as the victor in the battle for control of Kentucky’s athletic department.