WRAL Sports Fan

WRALSportsFan

Memphis' Calipari To Succeed Sendek?

Apr 10, 2006

RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina State University's search for a new head men's basketball coach now has a singular focus: Memphis Tigers coach John Calipari.

Wolfpack athletic director Lee Fowler, N.C. State Chancellor James Oblinger and other university officials returned to Raleigh on Sunday afternoon after a multi-hour meeting with Calipari.

Fowler declined comment Sunday on anything concerning the head-coaching position left vacant by Herb Sendek more than a week ago.

Obviously, the talks are heating up, and sources tell WRAL that the job is now Calipari's to turn down.

State's pursuit of Calipari has clearly rattled the tiger's cage at Memphis. Tigers athletic director R. C. Johnson canceled a weekend trip to work on a new contract for Calipari.

His current contract runs through 2010 with a base salary of $1.1 million, but State can absolutely top that since the Pack was ready to give Texas coach Rick Barnes nearly twice that amount.

Calipari is one of the winningest coaches ever at this point in his career with 341 wins and 130 losses. Only six other coaches all-time had more wins in their first 13 seasons. Calipari also has eight NCAA tournaments on his resume.