The University of Kentucky has officially announced that NBA superstar and national champion Anthony Davis will return to Lexington — not as a player, but as the new head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball team.
Davis, who led the Wildcats to their eighth national title in 2012, is now set to take the reins from long-time head coach John Calipari, who announced his retirement earlier this spring after 15 seasons in Lexington. Davis, just 32 years old, becomes the youngest head coach in modern Kentucky history and the first former one-and-done player to become a head coach in a Power Five program.
“This is more than a job,” Davis said at the packed press conference at Rupp Arena. “This is my home. Kentucky gave me everything — a platform, a family, a championship. Now, it’s my turn to give back to the Big Blue Nation.”
From Champion to Coach — The Journey of Anthony Davis
Anthony Davis’ journey from a high school phenom in Chicago to the No. 1 NBA Draft pick to now leading the Kentucky program is nothing short of remarkable. In his lone season at UK (2011–12), Davis averaged 14.2 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 4.7 blocks per game — anchoring one of the most dominant college teams in history. He won National Player of the Year, Final Four Most Outstanding Player, and helped John Calipari earn his first NCAA championship.
After being selected first overall by the New Orleans Hornets (now Pelicans), Davis carved out an All-NBA career. A perennial All-Star and Olympic gold medalist, Davis won an NBA Championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020. While still effective in recent seasons, Davis stepped away from playing after the 2024–25 NBA season to focus on coaching and mentoring young talent.
“This isn’t about walking into an easy situation,” Davis said. “It’s about developing young men, competing for championships, and restoring Kentucky’s place as the destination in college hoops.”
According to university officials, Davis has spent the past year quietly working on coaching certifications and shadowing staff under Calipari and NBA mentors. His hire reflects a modern, player-first approach to coaching that the university believes will resonate with today’s recruits.
What’s Next for the Wildcats Under Coach Davis?
Davis’s appointment is already shaking up the recruiting world. Multiple five-star recruits who had cooled on Kentucky are reportedly reconsidering their commitments. Insiders say that Davis, with his NBA connections and player development expertise, is expected to prioritize elite big men and defensive-minded guards — mirroring the identity of the 2012 championship team.
Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart praised the hire:
“Anthony is more than a Kentucky legend — he’s a leader, a mentor, and an inspiration. He represents the future of this program and understands its past better than anyone.”
Early reports suggest Davis may bring in a veteran assistant coaching staff, including former Kentucky teammates and NBA player development coaches, to help him navigate his first collegiate season.
The expectations are sky-high — but so is the excitement. With Davis back in Lexington, Kentucky basketball feels electric once again. Rupp Arena is expected to sell out every game, and the Wildcats are already projected to be a preseason top-five team for 2025–26.
“I came back to raise banners,” Davis said. “Let’s get to work.”
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