John Calipari has accepted an offer to leave Memphis for the tradition-rich Kentucky basketball program, according to reports.

Calipari spent the day considering the Wildcats' lucrative offer and calling former Kentucky coaches, including Joe B. Hall.

Hall said the informal chat centered on what it takes to survive one of college basketball's most prestigious, most scrutinized and most lucrative jobs. Kentucky fired Billy Gillispie last Friday after two disappointing seasons.

University of Memphis spokesman Bob Winn confirmed athletic
director R.C. Johnson had spoken with Calipari. Asked if Calipari had told Johnson he was taking the Kentucky job, Winn declined to comment.

"I can confirm that he has told R.C. (Johnson) that he is headed to Lexington, Ky., this evening," Winn told The Associated Press.

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