Kentucky coach John Calipari denies interest in Pelicans job
Kentucky coach John Calipari tweeted Tuesday to deny his reported interest in the New Orleans Pelicans' coaching vacancy.
"Even though Anthony and Tyreke are in NOLA, I have no interest in the Pelicans or any other job," Calipari tweeted. "I have a great job and I'm happy at UK."
The tweet came within an hour of a published report from the New Orleans Times-Picayune, which indicated "a source close to Calipari" has made it known to the Pelicans that the coach could be tempted to leave Kentucky to reunite with former players Anthony Davis, with whom he won a national title in 2012, and Tyreke Evans, who he coached at Memphis.
One theoretical issue, beyond the Pelicans' own interest, would be financial. The Times-Picayune reported that New Orleans is willing to pay its next coach around $4 to $5 million annually, after the team fired Monty Williams last week.
Calipari makes around $8 million per year at Kentucky and holds one of the more comfortable positions in college basketball. He also recently agreed to a one-year contract extension through 2022, though he has yet to sign it. The Times-Picayune's sources indicate the compensation gap would be an issue for Calipari, who would also "want input" on the team's roster.
Golden State assistant Alvin Gentry and Chicago head coach Tom Thibodeau have also been tied to the Pelicans job.
- Jeremy Woo
