ATLANTA -- Surrounded by speculation, John Calipari told CBS SportsLine.com on Sunday that he is not a candidate at Arkansas and reiterated his comments from last week that he will remain the coach at Memphis.
"I'm OK," Calipari said by cell phone. "I've got a good job."
Despite reports to the contrary, Calipari said he was never formally offered the Arkansas job, though he did admit meeting with athletic director Frank Broyles. Calipari said he and Broyles have known each other for many years and the conversation was informative. And while he acknowledged the opportunity to be the next coach at Arkansas will be great for somebody he added that somebody will not be him.
"Whoever is offered that job would have to be out of their mind to not take it," Calipari said. "But it's just not the right time for me."
By the phrase "right time" the implication was clear. Calipari is set to return all five starters from an Elite Eight team and add high school phenom Derrick Rose to the roster. Consequently, Memphis is a sure-bet preseason top five pick and a favorite to make next season's Final Four.
