John Calipari "privately expressed significant/serious interest" in the Ohio State vacancy earlier in the 2023-24 season, according to CBS Sports' Matt Norlander.
The Buckeyes fired Chris Holtmann in February, with Jake Diebler taking over on an interim basis. Norlander reported the timing didn't line up for Calipari to become a serious candidate, and OSU ultimately hired Diebler on a permanent basis.
Calipari, meanwhile, is finalizing a five-year contract with Arkansas, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel and Jeff Borzello, which will end his tenure at Kentucky after 15 seasons.
This article will be updated soon to provide more information and analysis.