UCLA Bruins WiretapMay 2019 UCLA Bruins Wiretap

Rick Barnes To Stay At Tennessee, Turns Down $5 Million Contract Offer From UCLA

Apr 9, 2019 2:21 AM

Rick Barnes will remain the head coach at Tennessee after turning down a reported offer from UCLA.

"The last few days have been interesting to say the least. One of the nation's most tradition-rich college basketball programs identified what we here at Tennessee already knew -- that Rick Barnes is one the game's elite coaches and a program-changer," said Tennessee A.D. Phillip Fulmer.

UCLA reportedly offered a starting salary of $5 million with incentives.

Tennessee will also restructure Barnes' deal. Barnes has been with the program since 2015. 

Chris Low/ESPN

Tags: UCLA Bruins, Tennessee Volunteers, NCAA, NCAA B-Ball IQ

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John Calipari Agrees To Lifetime Extension With Kentucky

Apr 1, 2019 9:11 PM

John Calipari has agreed to a lifetime extension with Kentucky.

Calipari had been in contact with UCLA and was offered a six-year, $48 million deal.

"It has nothing to do with the other stuff ... people call every year," he said. "They presented it to me and I appreciate it."

Calipari's deal is structured as an extension until he retires and then he will become an ambassador for the remainder of his life.

Calipari has been to four Final Fours with Kentucky, in 2011, 2012, 2014 and 2015, winning the national championship in 2012. 

Calipari has also received interest to return to the NBA.

Jeff Borzello/ESPN

Tags: UCLA Bruins, Kentucky Wildcats, NCAA, NBA, NBA Misc Rumor, NCAA Misc Rumor

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Kentucky Offers John Calipari Lifetime Contract After Interest From UCLA

Apr 1, 2019 5:40 PM

John Calipari has been offered a lifetime contract by Kentucky. The deal would be a combination of a head coaching extension and a paid role as an ambassador.

The offer from Kentucky comes after UCLA offered Calipari a six-year, $48 million deal. The discussions between Calipari and UCLA were more extensive than previously believed. Kentucky gave UCLA permission to speak with Calipari.

Calipari is the highest-paid basketball coach in the country, making $9.2 million this year.

The new contract won't be substantially more lucrative, but it will include a 10-year term and a promise to be a paid ambassador in retirement.

Seth Davis/The Athletic

Tags: UCLA Bruins, Kentucky Wildcats, NCAA, NBA, NCAA Misc Rumor

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