“Ain’t Easy”: John Calipari Offers His Sympathies to Tom Thibodeau 4 Years After Missing Knicks Job

At the start of this NCAA season, we witnessed one of the biggest coaching moves when John Calipari, the legendary coach of the Kentucky Wildcats for 15 years, left Lexington for Arkansas. But that wasn’t the only time Calipari’s name made headlines in the coaching world. He was once heavily linked to a potential job with the NBA’s New York Knicks. And even though it didn’t pan out, the coach’s thoughts on it remain as sharp as ever, with a message for Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau.

When asked about his links to the Knicks job in 2020, Cal reflected on the situation with calm. “First of all, you’re talking family when you’re talking Leon and Wes,” Calipari said, referring to Leon Rose and William Wesley, two key figures in the Knicks’ front office who had ties to him. 

The 65-year-old acknowledged the decision that was made when they picked Tom Thibodeau as the head coach, saying, “And they picked the right coach (in Thibodeau). An absolute grinder. A truth-teller that understands players and defenses and schemes and putting players in the right situation.”

Thibodeau joined the Knicks as HC in 2020 after stints at Minnesota and Chicago in the same position, and 6 more teams as assistant. His first year there, the coach led his team to the playoffs. He was voted coach of the year too that season, with their better record of 50-32. He has since grown to be the most successful coach for the Knicks this century, making the playoffs thrice. Coach Calipari understands the efforts so he isn’t toning down on his praises.

“And his history. I just think he’s doing an unbelievable job. I really do. And he’s taken over the New York Knicks and he’s getting it done. That ain’t easy,” he added. Calipari’s admiration for Thibodeau during an interview with the New York Post was clear, especially considering the challenges that come with leading a high-profile NBA team like the Knicks. 

The connection between Calipari and the Knicks goes way back to the 2013-14 season when the Knicks were struggling and looking for answers. This led to speculation that Calipari could take over the team, despite his mixed results in the NBA. You see, Calipari’s tenure with the New Jersey Nets in the late ’90s didn’t exactly work out, and he was fired during the lockout-shortened 1998-99 season.

Still, in 2013, the Knicks were at a low point, and many wondered if Cal might take the reins. Then came 2020—the year the NBA’s New York Knicks turned their eyes to Calipari again. This time, with Leon Rose taking over as president of the Knicks.

It was more than just rumors. Moreover, his relationships with key players in the Knicks organization only fueled the fire, and for a brief moment, it seemed like a done deal. However, Cal took to Twitter to shut down the talk, stating clearly, “NO ONE has contacted the Knicks on my behalf. I am the coach at Kentucky and will be for a long time!” 

Sure enough, he stuck around in Lexington for a few more years, even as rumors of his departure persisted. Yet, the end of his era at Kentucky was not as smooth. By April 2024, 3× Naismith College Coach of the Year’s tenure at Kentucky came to an unexpected end. Despite all the success he had brought, over time, Kentucky hadn’t reached the heights that fans had grown used to, and there was a noticeable disconnect between Calipari and Kentucky’s athletic department. Then, entered Mark Pope with a bang.

Mark Pope breaks John Calipari’s record for comebacks

The new head coach of Kentucky has shown he’s more than capable of stepping into the big shoes left behind. The Wildcats are off to a red-hot start this season, and Pope’s adjustments at halftime have been a standout feature. 

Pope has even managed more comebacks from a 16-point deficit in just five weeks than Calipari did in his entire 15-year career at Kentucky. One notable comeback was against Gonzaga, where Kentucky clawed back from a 50-34 halftime deficit to win 90-89 in overtime.

Amidst Pope’s early success, the AP Top 25 rankings are causing some controversy. Kentucky, which had just beaten Duke on a neutral floor earlier this season, saw the Blue Devils jump ahead of them in the rankings. Duke is currently ranked #4, while Kentucky is at #5, despite having two top-5 wins (Gonzaga and Duke).

The rankings sparked debate about the fairness of this decision. And the internet is heating up. But all in all, we can say that Pope’s era is a hit for now. The big question is, will it be a fresh start for the Wildcats? Time will tell!