Shocking Decision:A Shocking Move That Has Sent Shockwaves Throughout The College Basketball World Mark Pope Has Announced His… see… more

In a shocking move that has sent shockwaves throughout the college basketball world, Mark Pope has announced his departure from Brigham Young University (BYU) to take the head coaching job at the University of Kentucky. Pope, who has been at the helm of the Cougar program for the past four seasons, leaves behind a legacy of success and a team that is poised for greatness.

During his time at BYU, Pope led the Cougars to two NCAA Tournament appearances, including a trip to the Sweet 16 in 2021. He also guided the team to two West Coast Conference (WCC) regular season championships and was named the WCC Coach of the Year in 2020.

“Mark Pope has been an outstanding coach and ambassador for BYU,” said Tom Holmoe, BYU’s athletic director. “We are grateful for his contributions to our program and wish him all the best in his new role at Kentucky.”

Pope’s departure comes as a surprise to many, as he had built a strong program at BYU and had become a beloved figure in the Cougar community. However, the opportunity to coach at Kentucky, one of the most storied programs in college basketball, was too good to pass up.

“I am thrilled to join the Kentucky family and lead the Wildcats into a new era of success,” Pope said in a statement. “I am grateful for the opportunity to coach at BYU and appreciate the support of the Cougar Nation. However, this is a dream come true for me, and I am excited to get started.”

Pope’s departure leaves a void in the Cougar program, but BYU is already moving forward with the search for a new head coach. The university has announced that it will conduct a national search for Pope’s replacement, with the goal of finding a coach who can build on the success that Pope established during his time at BYU.

As for Pope, he will take over a Kentucky program that is looking to return to its glory days. The Wildcats have struggled in recent years, but with Pope at the helm, they are hoping to regain their status as one of the top programs in the country.

“Mark Pope is a proven winner and a great fit for our program,” said Mitch Barnhart, Kentucky’s athletic director. “We are excited to have him on board and look forward to seeing the impact he will have on our team.”