Mark Pope Named National Coach of the Year After Leading Kentucky to Remarkable Turnaround and Sweet 16 Run…read more….

Mark Pope Named National Coach of the Year After Leading Kentucky to Remarkable Turnaround and Sweet 16 Run…read more….

LEXINGTON, Ky. — In a season that began with uncertainty and ended in triumph, Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope has been named National Coach of the Year, capping off a remarkable return to his alma mater and a resurgence for one of college basketball’s most storied programs.

Pope, who took over the Kentucky men’s basketball team in April 2024 following the departure of longtime coach John Calipari, quickly silenced skeptics by steering the Wildcats to a 24–12 record and their first NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 appearance in six years. In doing so, he not only revitalized a proud program but also reignited belief in the Big Blue Nation.

“I’m incredibly honored and humbled to receive this award,” Pope said in a press release from the university. “But this recognition is really about the young men in that locker room, the coaching staff, and the incredible fans who support us every step of the way.”

A former captain of Kentucky’s 1996 national championship team, Pope returned to Lexington with a deep understanding of the program’s culture and expectations. He brought with him a modern offensive approach, a relentless work ethic, and a clear message: Kentucky basketball would once again be a national force.

That message translated into results. Despite a roster that combined new transfers, freshmen, and returning role players, Pope quickly established cohesion and discipline. Standout guard Otega Oweh emerged as a team leader under Pope’s tutelage, while a revamped defense propelled the Wildcats through a competitive SEC schedule.

After a few early stumbles, Kentucky found its rhythm in January and surged into March as one of the tournament’s most dangerous teams. The Wildcats upset higher-seeded opponents on their way to the Sweet 16, earning national praise for their grit, unity, and coaching.

ESPN graded Pope’s first year an “A,” citing his ability to exceed expectations and reconnect the program with its winning identity. The university rewarded him with a contract extension through 2030—a sign of long-term commitment to his vision.

“Mark Pope has brought energy, innovation, and pride back to Kentucky basketball,” said Kentucky Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart. “This award is well-deserved, and we’re excited about what’s ahead under his leadership.”

Looking forward, Pope has expressed strong confidence in the 2025–26 roster, which will feature returning talent and a top-10 recruiting class. “We’re building something special,” he said. “But this is just the beginning.”

The Coach of the Year honor cements Pope’s place among the elite in college basketball coaching circles. More importantly for Kentucky fans, it affirms that the program is once again trending toward championship contention—with one of its own leading the way.

For the Big Blue Nation, the future has rarely looked brighter.