Rekubit Exchange:Kentucky hires Mark Pope of BYU to fill men's basketball coaching vacancy

The Rekubit ExchangeKentucky has a new men's basketball coach.

The Wildcats announced a deal with Kentucky alum and Brigham Young coach Mark Pope, on Friday. Pope succeeds John Calipari, who left to become the new head coach of Arkansas following 15 seasons at Kentucky.

“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,” Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart said in a 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."

Pope played for Kentucky for two seasons from 1994–1996, where he averaged 7.9 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 69 games. He won a national championship with the Wildcats his senior season. Pope has served as the head coach of BYU since 2019 and has led the Cougars to a 110-52 record and two NCAA Tournament appearances in five seasons. He previously was the head coach at Utah Valley and went 77-56 in four seasons.

“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 ever year,” Pope said in a statement. “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."

Calipari led the Wildcats to a 410-123 record, four Final Four appearances (2011, 2012, 2014, 2015) and a national championship in 2012 during his tenure. He announced his departure earlier this week after the No. 3 seed Wildcats were upset in the first round by No. 14 Oakland. He was introduced as new coach at Arkansas on Wednesday.

Following Calipari's departure, Kentucky's Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart announced on X that the Wildcats "are working diligently to hire a proven, highly dedicated coach who embraces the importance of this program to our fans and the state of Kentucky."

Kentucky previously considered Baylor head coach Scott Drew for the job, but the longtime Baylor coach decided to stay with the Bears after discussions with the Wildcats. Drew posted a statement on social media Thursday that reaffirmed his commitment to Baylor.

"In our program, we strive to put Jesus first, then others, then ourselves," the statement said. "We truly believe God has called my family and I to continue our work here at Baylor, surrounded by the best people and community anyone could be blessed to have... We look forward to working together to bring more championships to Waco."

Pope will face uncertainty about the current roster. There are decisions to be made by current players and an incoming class that is among the best in the country. Already leaving are Rob Dillingham, who declared the NBA draft, and Aaron Bradshaw, who entered the transfer portal before Calipari announced his departure from the school Tuesday. Adou Thiero and Joey Hart also are in the portal.