The recent John Calipari Arkansas move was guided by a priest’s advice and potential divine intervention, the new coach revealed, saying the decision solidified for him while contemplating the job change.
A Decisive Walk in Las Vegas
During an appearance on “Don’t @ Me with Dan Dakich,” Calipari explained he was in Las Vegas for a friend’s bachelor party when he seriously considered the job. The new Arkansas Razorbacks basketball coach shared the John Calipari Father Joe story to explain his decision-making process.
Calipari said a priest, Father Joe, gave him specific instructions. “He said, ‘Go for a walk. An hour.
You’re the coach of Kentucky. Walk back.
That next hour, you’re the coach of Arkansas,” Calipari stated.
The coach followed the advice and noted a significant shift in his feelings. Calipari said he felt more excitement during the second half of the walk, when he envisioned himself leading Arkansas.
“About 15 minutes after coming back, I started whistling and skipping,” Calipari recalled. “Like, you know what? I’m doin’ this.
Father Joe from Philadelphia got it done.”
Faith’s Role in the John Calipari Arkansas Move
The coach elaborated on the role of his faith, suggesting a sense of Calipari divine intervention in the choice. He also spoke about how his faith grounds him in his professional life, particularly when coaching young athletes.
“I’m a poor, miserable, sinner… when I give confession, the priest comes out. His head’s spinnin’,” Calipari said.
He uses this perspective to frame his coaching responsibilities.
Calipari explained that his faith is crucial when coaching “other people’s children.” He said it provides a better way to handle difficult situations and challenging players.
“There’s times when you want to throw a kid off the team, and you go to mass in the morning, and you go ‘‘cmon man, there’s a better way,’” he said. This provides insight into why John Calipari left Kentucky for a new challenge.
