The Latest:
Mark Pope has been named the new Kentucky men's basketball head coach.
He becomes the 23rd head coach in Kentucky history.
“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. “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. (Eli) 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!”
UK Athletics announced they will host a press conference on April 14 at 4:30 p.m. inside Rupp Arena to introduce men's basketball head coach Mark Pope.
UK Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart made the following post on X about the news:
.@CoachMarkPope not only brings an impressive record in nine years as a head coach, but also a love of the @universityofky and a complete understanding of what our @kentuckymbb program means to the people of our state. https://t.co/EpQWdtPCL3
— Mitch Barnhart (@UKMitchBarnhart) April 12, 2024
Rick Pitino posted a video in response to the hiring of Pope, who he formerly coached while at UK.
— Rick Pitino (@RealPitino) April 12, 2024
Update
4/12- 12:15 a.m.
CBS Sports' Matt Norlander reports that Kentucky is finalizing a five-year deal at an average of $5.5 million a year for Pope.
One last tweet tonight. Forgot to send out the @CBSSportsCBB news story on Pope and Kentucky. Kentucky sent a contract that has Pope on a five-year deal at an average of $5.5 million annually. https://t.co/PfCAAYH14B
— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) April 12, 2024
Original Story
LEX 18's Keith Farmer can confirm the multiple national reports that Kentucky is working on a deal to make Mark Pope the Wildcats' next head basketball coach. Though a deal is not yet close to being finalized.
I can confirm all of the national news media. UK is working on a deal to make Mark Pope the Wildcats next head basketball coach. But, I'm also told it's not anywhere near done. #BBN
— Keith Farmer (@KeithFarmer18) April 12, 2024
This comes after UK was reportedly turned down Thursday by Baylor's Scott Drew and UConn's Dan Hurley.
ESPN's Pete Thamel says the deal is expected to come in the "near future."
Sources: Kentucky is targeting BYU coach Mark Pope to be the school’s next coach. A deal is expected to come together in the near future. pic.twitter.com/xpCnGk34a9
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) April 12, 2024
Matt Norlander of CBS Sports reports that a deal has not been signed yet, but both sides hope to have one done by the end of the night.
Breaking news: Kentucky has lined up BYU's Mark Pope to be its next coach, sources tell @CBSSports. Nothing is signed at this hour but the sides are quickly working toward a deal and hope to get it done by the end of the night.
— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) April 12, 2024
Pope played center for two seasons at Kentucky and was a member of the 1996 National Championship team. He became head coach at BYU in 2019 and led the Cougars to a 24-8 record in his first season.
Pope has a 110-52 record as BYU's head coach with two NCAA Tournament appearances.
This is a developing story. Stay with LEX 18 as we learn more.
