Former BYU coach Mark Pope is set to take on a new challenge as the next men’s basketball coach for the Kentucky Wildcats, sources have revealed to CBS Sports. The decision comes after former head coach John Calipari left to join Arkansas, ending his 15-year tenure in Lexington.
Pope, a Kentucky alum who was part of the 1995-96 championship team, brings with him nine years of head coaching experience and an impressive career record of 187-108. Despite facing competition from other notable candidates like Billy Donovan and Rick Pitino, Pope ultimately won out with the backing of former players and Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart.
Known for his high-energy coaching style and successful offensive strategies at BYU, Pope is poised to make a significant impact on the Wildcats’ program. If the deal goes through, Pope would become only the second Kentucky men’s basketball coach to have previously played for the program, following in the footsteps of Joe B. Hall.
The finalization of Pope’s hiring is pending Barnhart’s approval of the contract, which reportedly includes an average salary of $5.5 million per season. Fans of the Wildcats are eagerly anticipating the official announcement of Pope’s arrival, hopeful that he will lead the team to further success on the court. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting development in the world of college basketball.
