Mark Pope, a former captain of the Kentucky Wildcats’ 1996 national championship team, was named the men’s basketball program’s head coach in April 2024, following John Calipari after 15 seasons.
Pope’s coaching career includes successful stints at Utah Valley and Brigham Young University. At BYU, he led the Cougars to two NCAA Tournament appearances in five seasons, including a 23-11 record in their first Big 12 Conference season. His overall head-coaching record is 189-108.
Pope led Kentucky to the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16 in his first season (2024-2025). The team won big against prominent programs like Duke, Gonzaga, Louisville, Florida, and Tennessee twice. These accomplishments prompted ESPN’s Joe Lunardi to describe Kentucky and Pope as “overachievers,” emphasizing the team’s potential for future success.
Pope’s contract was extended for another year and included a $50,000 incentive following the team’s Sweet 16 performance. The deal now extends until the 2029-30 season and has an annual value of $5.25 million. His leadership has revitalized the Wildcats, instilling hope in fans for the next seasons.
Under Pope’s leadership, Kentucky has adopted a dynamic, up-tempo playing style reminiscent of the high-octane offense that defined the 1996 championship squad. This strategy has revitalized the squad and reignited fan enthusiasm, ushering in a new era in Kentucky basketball history.