Mark Pope, the former captain of the Kentucky Wildcats’ 1996 national championship team, has been named as the new head coach of the basketball program. Pope is replacing John Calipari, who recently left to take on the head coaching job at Arkansas. The terms of Pope’s contract have not been disclosed, but his introductory press conference is scheduled for Sunday at Rupp Arena. Calipari, who led Kentucky to its eighth NCAA championship in 2012, stated that he felt the program needed to hear another voice and that it was time for him to step away.
Pope had a successful run as head coach of the BYU Cougars, where he compiled a 110-52 record in five seasons and led the team to a second NCAA Tournament appearance in four years. Prior to that, he coached at Utah Valley, guiding the Wolverines to consecutive runner-up finishes in the Western Athletic Conference. Pope’s coaching style, which includes an up-tempo offense and strong defense, as well as his recruiting abilities and integrity, impressed Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart. Barnhart believes Pope will embrace the high expectations and standards that come with coaching at a prestigious program like Kentucky.
Pope expressed his understanding of the expectations that come with coaching at a program like Kentucky, where winning championships is the norm. He emphasized his love and passion for the university and the people of Kentucky, stating that his connection to the program goes deep. The Wildcats’ last deep NCAA Tournament run came in 2019 when they lost to SEC rival Auburn in the Elite Eight. Former Kentucky coach Rick Pitino, who led the team to the 1996 national championship, expressed his confidence in Pope, believing that he has what it takes to lead the Wildcats back to greatness.
BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe thanked Pope for his contributions to the program and stated that he left the team in a position of strength moving forward. Pope’s experience as a player in the NBA from 1998 to 2005, as well as his successful coaching career at BYU and Utah Valley, have prepared him for the challenges of coaching at a program like Kentucky. His ability to recruit top talent, implement an innovative playing style, and uphold high standards of integrity make him a promising choice to lead the Wildcats to future success. Kentucky fans are eager to see what Pope can accomplish as the new head coach of their beloved program.
