Reports: Kentucky Eyes BYU’s Mark Pope as Potential Replacement for John Calipari

Kentucky is poised to make a significant coaching move, with reports indicating that they are nearing an agreement to bring in Mark Pope from BYU as their next men’s basketball coach. The news, which emerged on Thursday, suggests a potential shift in leadership for the Wildcats.

Initial reports, spearheaded by Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports, hinted at Pope’s candidacy for the Kentucky position. The 51-year-old Pope, known for his basketball prowess both as a player and coach, would step into the shoes of John Calipari, who recently departed for Arkansas after a 15-year tenure at Kentucky.

Pope’s basketball journey is rooted deeply in both collegiate and professional realms. He notably played for Washington from 1991 to 1993 before transferring to Kentucky, where he contributed as a two-year starter and team captain, playing a pivotal role in securing the Wildcats’ 1996 national championship.

Transitioning to coaching, Pope has left his mark on various programs. He assumed the head coaching role at BYU in 2019 and has since amassed a commendable record of 110 wins and 52 losses, demonstrating a winning percentage of 67.9%. Notably, BYU’s entry into the Big 12 conference in the 2023-24 season marked a significant milestone for the program, despite a postseason upset in the NCAA Tournament’s first round against Duquesne.

Pope’s coaching journey began with assistant roles at institutions like Georgia, Wake Forest, and BYU before he embarked on his head-coaching career with Utah Valley. His extensive experience both on the court and on the sidelines has undoubtedly shaped his coaching philosophy and approach to the game.

Beyond his collegiate exploits, Pope also boasts a professional basketball background, having been drafted by the Indiana Pacers in the 1996 NBA Draft. His tenure in the league saw him don jerseys for teams like the Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, and Denver Nuggets, alongside stints overseas, adding layers of experience to his basketball repertoire.

As Kentucky looks to chart a new course under Pope’s leadership, the move signals a potential turning point for the storied basketball program, with expectations running high for the future of Wildcats basketball under his guidance.