The Kentucky Wildcats have found their next coach.
According to multiple national media reporters, including Matt Norlander, the Cats have their sights set on Mark Pope to take over the reins of the UK program.
This is happening, folks.
BREAKING: Kentucky has named BYU's Mark Pope as its next coach, officials say @CBS Sports. Although nothing has been signed at this time, both sides are working quickly towards an agreement and hope to reach an agreement by the end of the night.
— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) April 12, 2024
Pope, a former UK player, spent the past five seasons as the head coach of the BYU Cougars, leading them to a 110-51 record. The Cougars were a hot team early this season, but eventually cooled down, losing in the first round of the NCAA Tournament just a few weeks ago.
The news comes on the same day that Scott Drew and Dan Hurley turned down the Cats, and the day many thought Billy Donovan's long-awaited game would begin. I don't think that was true.
I'm not going to lie. This is a rather shocking development and one that is unlikely to be well received by the fan base.
Take a look at some of the reactions on Twitter to this news.
This is an absolutely terrible process by Barnhart. Pope was scheduled to take up the job next week, maybe a month from now. Mitch Barnhart seriously needs to be fired for this. https://t.co/mr0AhTwTBM
— Derek Terry (@DerekSTerry) April 12, 2024
I think fans should wait until June for Billy Donovan…
— Tristan Farris (@TristanUda) April 12, 2024
As I said earlier, I support that.
If this happens, I think this is a mistake and indicates a disconnect from the fanbase https://t.co/7NBp85Ihl1
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) April 12, 2024
trying to measure my words
Let me just say this
I'm worried that this is the wrong choice
— J. Kyle Mann (@jkylemann) April 12, 2024
Well, with all due respect, what are we doing?
— Drew Franklin (@DrewFranklinKSR) April 12, 2024
Was he literally hired to protect Reed Shepard during his sophomore year? Still not enough.
— TJ Walker (@TJWalkerRadio) April 12, 2024
This must be a masterclass from Big Blue Carti
— WT – Adou Enthusiast (@WildcatsTongue) April 12, 2024
I think there's probably a world where Mark Pope could kill it in the UK. Play with great style. Beloved former British Champion. Super smart guy. But I'm surprised that John Calipari is here three days after officially resigning. My gut feeling is that something is “off” about this.
— Jeff Drummond (@JDrumUK) April 12, 2024
And did you think the fanbase would be negative a week ago?…
— TJ Walker (@TJWalkerRadio) April 12, 2024
I don't believe the majority of donors supported this adoption. I don't think NIL will be great next season.
From the jump, lack of fan support and lack of NIL support.
Setting him up for failure…it's not fair to everyone.
— Tristan Farris (@TristanUda) April 12, 2024
Mark Pope and Jeff Shepherd were roommates in England.
— Geneabell (@geneabell) April 12, 2024
Kentucky (Mark Pope), North Carolina (Hubert Davis), Duke (Jon Scheyer) and Indiana (Mike Woodson) are all currently led by former players.
— Chris Fisher (@ChrisFisher247) April 12, 2024
Mark Pope is probably an upgrade in terms of on-court coaching (implements modern principles on offense and is a good coach), but stability in the program (he'll be able to keep getting kids, right?) (What level is he as a recruiter?) It would be a downgrade.
Honestly, it's a really interesting hire for Kentucky.it might work fine
— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) April 12, 2024
You can check all news organizations nationwide. UK is working on a deal to name Mark Pope as the Wildcats' next head basketball coach. However, it is said that it is still far from completion. #BBN
— Keith Farmer (@KeithFarmer18) April 12, 2024
On the bright side, Mark Pope has just one fewer NCAA Tournament win than his predecessor over the past three years. 1-0.
— Darrell Bird (@DarrellBird) April 12, 2024
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