The start of John Calipari’s tenure at Arkansas hasn’t unfolded as expected. When Calipari was hired in Fayetteville, questions about his coaching abilities were raised, particularly regarding his X’s and O’s. Despite these concerns, many fans focused on his impressive track record. However, starting the season with an 0-5 record has led to criticism from both national media and fans, including some of his harshest critics.
Jeff Goodman, a well-known critic of Calipari, recently collected anonymous quotes from SEC coaches, offering an inside look at how the league views the coach’s performance at Arkansas. The quotes shed light on a growing belief that Calipari’s once-dominant approach is no longer effective, especially as the SEC has become more competitive.
SEC Coaches Criticize Calipari’s Approach
During Calipari’s time at Kentucky, the Wildcats were head and shoulders above most SEC teams due to their talent. Goodman suggests that Calipari relied heavily on superior talent to make up for weaknesses in his coaching. However, as the SEC has grown in talent, the flaws in his coaching style are becoming more apparent.
One SEC coach bluntly stated, “I don’t think Calipari and his staff can adapt.” Another assistant coach added, “They all do the same thing… They don’t have anyone innovative. They are outdated in how they do things.” These comments highlight a growing concern among some coaches that Calipari’s strategies are no longer keeping pace with the evolving game.
Calipari’s coaching staff has also come under fire. Some fans have labeled them “yes men,” claiming they fail to develop players effectively. One SEC coach even criticized associate head coach Kenny Payne as “awful,” contributing to the growing discontent surrounding Calipari’s team.
Mismanagement of Talent and Roster Issues
Another area of concern is Calipari’s handling of talent, particularly Johnell Davis. Davis, a former star at Florida Atlantic who played a key role in leading the Owls to the 2023 Final Four, transferred to Arkansas with high expectations. However, under Calipari’s system, Davis has struggled to find his rhythm.
One SEC coach pointed out, “He doesn’t play freely at all under Calipari. He doesn’t know where his shots are, so he looks skittish and lost.” Despite having one of the largest NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) funds in college basketball, Arkansas is failing to maximize the potential of players like Davis, according to critics.
Furthermore, another coach added that Arkansas has “a ton of individual talent,” but “none of their pieces fit.” This suggests that while the team has skilled players, the roster doesn’t mesh well, leading to uncoordinated and uninspired play.
Issues with Team Chemistry and Roles
While Arkansas has shown flashes of teamwork, such as in their game against Michigan, they have struggled to establish a cohesive unit. The team often appears disorganized and lacking confidence. With only nine scholarship players, setting clear roles has been a challenge.
The Razorbacks have three ball-dominant guards—Davis, DJ Wagner, and Boogie Fland. All three perform best when they control the ball, but this creates challenges. It forces Arkansas’s guards to play out of position, with Davis being the prime example. On the other hand, forwards like Karter Knox are also required to take on guard-like roles, despite not being great shooters. Knox has made only 27% of his three-point attempts (15 of 54), and while he can make a jumper, he often finds himself in situations where he is forced to take shots, leading to inefficiency.
The SEC’s Harshest Criticism
The most damning criticism of Calipari comes from an anonymous SEC coach, who said, “There’s just no fear now when I see him on the other sideline. The game has changed and he is becoming archaic.”
The term “archaic” is particularly significant, especially considering the $7 million Arkansas invested in Calipari, not including the millions spent on NIL deals to build his roster. To hear that his methods are seen as outdated by SEC coaches is a stark contrast to his previous reputation as a top-tier coach.
The Road Ahead for Arkansas
While Arkansas still has the majority of its SEC schedule ahead, the road is tough. There are no easy wins, and unless Calipari can adapt and find a way to turn the team around, the SEC may no longer see him as the dominant force he once was. The question remains: Can John Calipari prove the critics wrong and revive his coaching career at Arkansas, or has the game passed him by?
