Amid swirling rumors about Mark Pope’s departure, Kentucky Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart set the record straight, confirming that Pope is staying put as the Wildcats’ head coach.
In a statement released earlier today, Barnhart addressed speculation that Pope was on his way out, calling the reports “premature and inaccurate.”
“We took a decision to reaffirm our commitment to Coach Pope and the vision he has for Kentucky basketball,” Barnhart said. “Mark is an integral part of this program, and there is no truth to the rumors of his departure.”
Pope, who took over the program following John Calipari’s tenure, has faced intense scrutiny in recent seasons, but the administration remains confident in his leadership. He expressed gratitude for the support and emphasized his dedication to building a championship-contending team.
“I love this program, I love our players, and I’m excited about the future,” Pope said. “We’re just getting started.”
With the speculation put to rest, the focus now shifts back to the court, where Pope and the Wildcats aim to make a strong push in the upcoming season.
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