Record buyout gives Kentucky coach incredible job security

Five years ago, John Calipari signed a 10-year, $86 million extension with Kentucky that runs through the 2028-29 season. 

He'll be 70 years old at the end of the deal, which will pay him $44.5 million for the final five years. But even though Kentucky lost to No. 14 seed Oakland on Thursday, the nature of Calipari's contract effectively gives him tenure in the athletic department.

To get rid of Coach Cal, it would cost the university nearly as much as his salary. To fire Calipari without cause would cost them $33.38 million. 

And by "cause," that means some kind of transgression or illegal behavior, not simply losing to a Horizon League champion when he has a team full of future NBA players.

Kentucky always has high expectations for its basketball team, but they haven't made it out of the second round since 2019. 

They lost to Kansas State in the second round last year and suffered an embarrassing loss to No. 15 seed Saint Peter's in 2021.

Still, Kentucky fans shouldn't worry. Coach Calipari's teams are built for March.