Following the shocking departure of John Calipari, Kentucky has named alum Mark Pope as the new head coach of its men’s basketball team.
Pope, who was a member of the school’s 1996 national championship winning team, replaces Calipari who left for Arkansas following a 15 year stint with the Wildcats. While financial details have yet to be released publicly, the signing is believed to be a 5 year deal.
“Mark Pope not only brings an impressive record in nine years as a head coach, but also a love of the University of Kentucky and a complete understanding of what our program means to the people of our state,” said Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart in a prepared statement. “As a captain on the ’96 championship team, Mark was a beloved and respected teammate. As a head coach, he is highly regarded nationally as an innovator. His teams run a unique and dynamic up-tempo offense and they get after it on defense. He is a strong recruiter with international ties and a person of integrity.”
“He fully embraces our high expectations and standards and I know that as our fans get reacquainted with Mark, they will be eager to join him on what promises to be an exciting ride.”
The 51 year old spent the last 5 seasons as head coach for BYU, posting a 110-52 record (.679 win %), and guiding the Cougars to two NCAA appearances. Pope also spent parts of six seasons in the NBA as a player, appearing in 153 games split between the Pacers, Bucks, and Nuggets.
“The University of Kentucky is the pinnacle of coaching in college basketball. It’s the definition of blueblood program where hanging a banner is the expectation every year,” Pope said in a statement of his own. “Equally as important, UK changed my life forever as a human being. The love and passion I have for this program, this University and the people of the Commonwealth goes to the depth of my soul.”
“I’m thankful to Dr. Capilouto and Mitch Barnhart for this opportunity. I’m proud to be your next head coach and I can’t wait to do this together!”
The Nebraska native takes on the role following several high profile candidates turning down the job offer in recent weeks. The Wildcats cast a wide net in their search for a new bench boss. One that included checking in on the availability of Baylor’s Scott Drew, UConn’s Dan Hurley, Alabama’s Nate Oats, former Villanova coach Jay Wright, and Chicago Bulls bench boss Billy Donovan. All of whom either turned down the offer outright, or distanced themselves publicly from the search.
Part of Calipari’s reason for departing was what he felt was a lack of institutional support from the school when it came to things such as NIL deals, and recruiting help. That, coupled with the high profile nature of the job, led many candidates to look elsewhere when presented with the opportunity.
However with Pope’s ties to the school, and the chance to go from a middle of the pack program to one of college basketball’s “blue blood” programs, it would appear as though the deal is a good match for all parties involved. At least for the time being.
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