Mark Pope, a 51-year-old coach with an impressive track record and a deep connection to Kentucky, has been hired as the new head coach of the Wildcats men’s basketball team. Pope, who was previously the head coach at BYU for five seasons, signed a five-year contract to lead the team after spending time as an assistant under Rick Pitino.
Pope’s success as a head coach at BYU, where he posted a 110-52 record over five seasons with two NCAA tournament berths, makes him an ideal choice to restore Kentucky’s dominance in college basketball. His up-tempo offense, strong recruiting skills, and commitment to integrity make him an ideal candidate to lead the Wildcats back to success in the NCAA tournament.
Pope’s connection to Kentucky goes back to his days as a player under Rick Pitino. He won a national title in 1996 and is now only the second coach, after Joe B. Hall, to coach the men’s team after playing for the program. Pope is well-respected and beloved both as a player and a coach, bringing with him a deep understanding of what the Kentucky program means to the state.
Kentucky had several high-profile coaches turn down the job during its hiring process after John Calipari left for Arkansas. However, Pope was ultimately chosen due to his experience, coaching style, and commitment to excellence on and off the court. With his leadership skills and passion for basketball, Pope is poised to usher in a new era of excellence for Kentucky men’s basketball.
