UK's AD says Calipari's coaching 'magical'

LOUISVILLE, Ky., June 27 (UPI) -- The University of Kentucky has agreed to a contract extension for men's basketball Coach John Calipari worth $36.6 million over the next eight years.

"What John Calipari has done on and off the court in the past two years to reunite and rejuvenate this fan base has been magical," UK Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart said in a Louisville, Ky., Courier-Journal report. "He understands the responsibility that goes along with this position and there is no other coach out there that is a better fit for the best basketball program in the country."

Calipari's has a 64-12 record at UK.

He will make additional millions through incentives and bonuses, including a $1 million retention bonus in six of the eight years of the contract.

"Ellen and I have tried to be good stewards with the blessings we have received and will continue to invest in the commonwealth and the Lexington community," Calipari said. "The people of Kentucky have embraced our family as one of their own and we love being here and there is no other place we'd rather be. Our fans are the best in all of sports, and even though you're crazy we love it."