Report: Kentucky offers Calipari lifetime contract as coach, ambassador

John Calipari has called Lexington, Ky., home for the past decade. If Kentucky has its way, it seems he'll continue to do so for the remainder of his head coaching career and beyond.

The Wildcats have essentially offered the 60-year-old Calipari a lifetime contract extension, according to The Athletic's Seth Davis.

Calipari's new deal with Kentucky would include a 10-year term as coach and a position as a paid ambassador for the school following his retirement, notes Davis. The Pennsylvania native's current contract runs through 2024.

The move comes after UCLA offered Calipari a six-year, $48-million contract, a source told Davis. Kentucky reportedly gave UCLA permission to speak to Calipari with the belief that the Bruins wouldn't table a deal serious enough to lure him away. Upon hearing UCLA's offer, the Wildcats reportedly countered with their own.

In mid-March, Calipari reiterated his allegiance to Kentucky and his desire to retire at the school.

Calipari is 305-71 in 10 seasons with the Wildcats and led them to a national championship in 2012. He was named AP College Coach of the Year in 2015 and oversaw future NBA stars Anthony Davis, Karl-Anthony Towns, and DeMarcus Cousins during their lone collegiate seasons.

Kentucky has made the NCAA Tournament in all but one of Calipari's campaigns at the helm. The team was eliminated from this year's tournament following a 77-71 overtime loss to SEC foe Auburn in the Elite Eight.