Sports

Kentucky Ran Off A Coach For Not Winning NCAAT Games Only To Hire A Coach With 0 NCAAT Wins

#University of Kentucky
by Last Updated
Mark Pope walks off the court after a BYU loss in the NCAA Tournament.

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The Kentucky basketball program has reportedly found its next head coach. Former player and 1996 national champion, Mark Pope, is expected to ink a deal with the Wildcats this week.

His return to Lexington would put an official end to a roller coaster coaching search that’s taken place over the last few days, and one that’s left many supporters discouraged about the future.

Much of that is due to the school swinging and missing with its top candidates despite boasting standing as a college basketball blue blood.

Nate Oats spurned the ‘Cats to stay at Alabama, Dan Hurley turned down historic money to remain at UConn, and Scott Drew snubbed Kentucky to continue coaching Baylor.

While other names were high on fans’ list, like Billy Donovan and Rick Pitino, administration opted to go in another direction.

Mark Pope has seemingly gotten the call, and it’s being reported that he’ll be the next head coach in Lexington.

Pope’s standing as a national title winning player can’t be taken away, but his resume as a head coach isn’t what most would expect of a Kentucky hire.

He spent his first four seasons at Utah State, going 77-56 while failing to make the NCAA Tournament. He did finish second in the WAC in each of final two seasons, leading to an offer from BYU.

With the Cougars, he’s been to two NCAA Tournaments in five years, losing in the opening round on both occasions. In each loss, BYU entered as a six-seed only to lose to an 11th-seeded opponent.

What’s most ironic about the hire is the fact that the team ran off a coach with a national championship pedigree and six Final Fours with three different programs. Criticism from fans and media was largely due to a recent string of early tournament exits.

Talks of firing John Calipari have circulated for years now, and things likely would’ve come to a head this offseason if not for a massive $33M buyout. Instead, Cal made the decision for them and will now coach at a program where he’s appreciated.

When Calipari parted ways with the Wildcats, a large majority of Big Blue Nation celebrated. Now, those same Kentucky fans are sulking after seemingly downgrading with Mark Pope.