The New York Knicks’ search for a new head coach after firing Tom Thibodeau has reignited speculation about John Calipari’s potential NBA return. As a prominent college coach with Arkansas, Calipari’s name has surfaced due to his historical ties with the Knicks’ front office. But at 66, with a mixed recent record, is this a realistic move?
Knicks’ Coaching Search Sparks John Calipari Rumors
The Knicks fired Thibodeau on June 3, 2025, following a 4-2 Eastern Conference Finals loss to the Indiana Pacers, which led to a highly publicized coaching search. On June 4, Jeff Goodman suggested on Twitter that the Knicks could become a home for Calipari since he is connected with Knicks executive William “World Wide Wes” Wesley, who holds influence in the organization.
Yeah. And if there was ever a spot for Cal to land back in the NBA, it would have been with the Knicks now that his buddy, World Wide Wes, has juice with the Knicks.
But hard to imagine Cal getting a sniff since he has really cooled off, and is also 66 years old. https://t.co/54EecXDSeK
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) June 4, 2025
But Goodman said Calipari’s age and track record won’t let him. This followed a comment from another user in response to Goodman’s original tweet, lamenting how Calipari was previously “good enough to be rumored to every NBA opening” and how much his stock has dropped since his Kentucky days.
I remember a time when Calipari was good enough to be rumored to every NBA opening…man how times change
— WhoDeyBleedsBlue (@WhoDeyBlue) June 3, 2025
John Calipari’s NBA Fit Faces Challenges
Calipari, who led Arkansas to a 22-14 record and an NCAA Sweet 16 in his first season, had a memorable college career but a poor NBA record with the Nets, 72-112 from 1996-1999. His last season at Kentucky, 2023-24, ended with a 23-10 record, while his worst Kentucky season was 2020-21, with a disappointing 9-16 record.
Todd Fuhrman’s betting odds list Calipari as a long shot at 40/1, with candidates like Mike Malone (+150) and Jay Wright (+150) favored.
Odds to be Knicks next HC pic.twitter.com/Xosa1uY7J6
— Todd Fuhrman (@ToddFuhrman) June 3, 2025
The Knicks’ preference for a proven NBA coach, combined with Calipari’s age and recent struggles, dims his chances. Wesley’s influence keeps the door slightly ajar, but the fit feels more nostalgic than practical in today’s NBA landscape.
KEEP READING: John Calipari Attends Thunder-Wolves Game 4 To See Former Stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Julius Randle
While the Knicks remain Calipari’s most likely NBA destination due to historical ties, the odds and current dynamics suggest this reunion is improbable. His college legacy endures, but the NBA may remain out of reach.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
