MEMPHIS, Tenn. - John Calipari insists he is staying at Memphis.

"I came to the University of Memphis to rebuild a winning basketball program, and it is my intention to stay here until we get the job done," Calipari said in a statement on Wednesday. "I view the task at the University of Memphis as much the same as we did at UMass. I stayed there for the long term."

Memphis reached the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1996 this season and is 71-31 in three seasons under Calipari, who has been mentioned as a candidate for several coaching openings.

Calipari went 193-71 in eight seasons at Massachusetts, where he led the Minutemen to five straight trips to the NCAA tournament.

"I want Tiger fans to understand I am happy right where I am and there is still much work to be done," Calipari said. "We are still on a mission because I firmly believe we can compete for national championships here."

Calipari's contract was extended through the 2006-07 season last year.