When John Calipari appeared on Mike Francesa’s radio show Thursday morning/afternoon, it was a cordial, professional interview where Francesa complimented Cal’s coaching ability. That’s why it was all the more surprising when, after Cal left the studio, Francesa changed his tune, criticizing Cal’s coaching ability.
The link to the audio can be found here, but for those unavailable to listen, we’ll transcribe the important parts:
"Francesa: Cal is a great recruiter, a master motivator, he’s not a classic X’s and O’s guy. There are better X’s and O’s guys…Cal, though, gets guys to play together and play hard.“John in Kentucky” (Calipari): You saying I can’t coach? Why didn’t you say that when I was sitting next to you?Francesa: You’re like a caller who doesn’t listenCalipari: I listened. You changed your tune."
The conversation went on from that point, with Cal debating with Francesa’s on his coaching abilities, that is until Francesa decided to hang up on Cal in the middle of the argument after Cal made some great points refuting Francesa.
Calipari likely was not upset with the statement itself that he is not a great X’s and O’s coach, but you could tell he was more upset that Francesa talked to Cal himself in one tone, then changed once Cal was out of studio.
What do you think? Who won the argument? Was Cal right or wrong to call into the show?