Mark Pope is formally named the men’s basketball coach at Kentucky.
Former Kentucky basketball player who was a member of the 1996 championship team and played under Rick Pitino from 1994 to 1996.
LOUISVILLE, KY: The next men’s basketball coach at the University of Kentucky has been selected.
UK formally declared on Friday morning that it has brought on Mark Pope, a former Wildcats player. He was BYU’s head coach for the previous five seasons.
Many reports that surfaced late on Thursday night suggested a deal was close to being finalised.
Athletic director Mitch Barnhart remarked, “Mark Pope not only brings an impressive record in his nine years as a head coach, but also a love of the University of Kentucky and a complete understanding of what our programme means to the people in our state.” “Mark was a well-liked and esteemed teammate during his time as captain of the 1996 championship squad. He is widely recognised as an innovator in the country as a head coach. His teams play aggressive defence and employ a distinctive, dynamic uptempo offence. He is a person of integrity and a skilled recruiter with connections throughout the world.
“I am aware that as our expectations and standards are high, he fully embraces them.
On Sunday at 4:30 p.m., I will host an introductory news conference. WHAS11, WHAS11.com, WHAS11+, and the WHAS11 YouTube channel all offer live viewing.
Pope led the 1996 national championship squad as captain. Pope agreed to a five-year contract worth $5.5 million a year, according to ESPN.
“The best college basketball coach is at the University of Kentucky. Pope stated, “That’s the epitome of a blueblood programme, where raising a banner is the standard each year. Not to mention, my life as a human was forever altered by the UK. I am incredibly passionate and deeply devoted to this programme, this university, and the people of the Commonwealth.
After getting to know Mark again, our fans will be excited to accompany him on
what looks like a thrilling journey.
UK will host a press conference on Sunday at 4:30 p.m. to provide an overview. WHAS11, WHAS11.com, WHAS11+, and the WHAS11 YouTube channel all offer live viewing.
Pope led the 1996 national championship squad as captain. Pope agreed to a five-year contract worth $5.5 million a year, according to ESPN.
“The best college basketball coach is at the University of Kentucky. Pope stated, “That’s the epitome of a blueblood programme, where raising a banner is the standard each year. Not to mention, my life as a human was forever altered by the UK. I am incredibly passionate and deeply devoted to this programme, this university, and the people of the Commonwealth.
Who then is Mark Pope?
Former Kentucky basketball player who was a member of the 96′ title team and played under Rick Pitino from 1994 to 1996.
Prior to taking the helm at BYU in 2019, he served as the head coach of Utah Valley. In the past, he worked as an assistant coach for BYU, Wake Forest, and Georgia.
Pope has a 187-108 record in his nine years as head coach.
He has led two teams to the NCAA Tournament since joining the Cougars in 2021 and 2024, but he has not yet won an NCAA Tournament game.
When Pope’s Utah Valley squad played Kentucky in Rupp Arena in 2017, the Wildcats prevailed by a score of ten points.
His hiring comes after Scott Drew of Baylor and Dan Hurley of UConn are said to have declined the position.
Though it was believed that Billy Donovan of the Chicago Bulls was the next player on the list, Kentucky did not actively pursue Donovan, according to Matt Norlander of CBS Sports.
