Kentucky coach John Calipari has once again turned down the opportunity to coach in the NBA by insisting that he has “no interest” in the New Orleans Pelicans job.
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A report on Tuesday suggested that Calipari was interested in the vacant post in New Orleans, after the organisation opted to fire Monty Williams earlier this month.
The decision came despite Williams guiding the team to the playoffs this season, and the Pelicans were seemingly making steady progress as they were led by star man Anthony Davis.
Calipari has connections with Davis from their Kentucky days along with Tyreke Evans, but that isn’t enough to convince him to leave his college role behind to make the jump to the NBA.
Even though Anthony and Tyreke are in NOLA, I have no interest in the Pelicans or any other job. I have a great job and I'm happy at UK.
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) May 19, 2015
NOLA.com had reported that the Pelicans were unlikely to be able to meet Calipari’s salary demands with their top offer likely to be around $4m of $5m per year.
Calipari recently signed an extension with the Wildcats which keeps him there until the 2021-22 season while it is reported that he makes around $8m per year.
As a result, the Pelicans will have to take their search elsewhere as they continue to be linked with a whole host of names.
According to speculation this week, they have been granted permission to interview Golden State Warriors assistant Alvin Gentry, while Chicago Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau will likely be their top target provided that he parts company with the franchise in the coming weeks.
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