Kentucky will talk with Memphis coach Calipari

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Memphis has given Kentucky permission to speak to coach John Calipari about the Wildcats’ head men’s basketball coaching position.

Athletic director R.C. Johnson said in a statement Monday that Calipari could meet with Kentucky representatives, but stressed Memphis will do whatever it can to retain the coach.

Calipari did not immediately return a text message from the Associated Press. Several Memphis players did not respond to e-mail messages left by the AP.

Kentucky spokesman DeWayne Peevy would not confirm or deny an ESPN report that Wildcats officials had already met with Calipari and were prepared to offer him the job. Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart did not respond to AP requests for comment.

The school fired Billy Gillispie Friday after two seasons.

The Commercial Appeal newspaper reported on its Web site that Calipari met with his players Monday morning.

Calipari concluded his ninth season at Memphis. He has a 137-14 record the past four seasons in which it was the only team to earn either a No. 1 or 2 seed in the NCAA tournament. He guided Memphis to a national runner-up finish last season. The Tigers (33-4) were ousted in a West Regional semifinal on Thursday.