Mark Pope, previously head coach at BYU, took over Kentucky’s basketball program in 2024 following the departure of long-time head coach John Calipari. Calipari, a Hall of Fame coach, left behind big shoes to fill after more than a decade of dominance in the SEC and consistent NCAA Tournament runs. Pope’s hiring signaled a new chapter for Kentucky, as the university looked for fresh energy and a proven recruiter to maintain its elite standing in college basketball.
Pope, a former Wildcat himself as a player in the 1990s, brings a blend of familiarity and innovation to the role. Let’s take a closer look at his contract, incentives, and buyout.
Mark Pope Contract
Mark Pope signed a five-year deal with Kentucky, structured as follows:
- Contract Duration: April 12, 2024, to March 31, 2029.
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Annual Salary:
- 2024-25: $5 million
- 2025-26: $5.25 million
- 2026-27: $5.5 million
- 2027-28: $5.75 million
- 2028-29: $6 million
- Total Value: $28.5 million over five years.
Mark Pope Incentives
Pope’s contract incentivizes both athletic and academic performance. Here’s a breakdown:
Athletic Performance:
- NCAA Tournament Achievements:
- National Championship: $500,000
- Final Four Appearance: $250,000
- Elite Eight Appearance: $100,000
- Sweet 16 Appearance: $50,000
- SEC Success:
- Regular Season SEC Championship: $100,000
- SEC Tournament Championship: $50,000
Academic Performance:
- Team GPA of 3.0 or higher: $25,000
- Team APR score of at least 975: $25,000
Other Perks:
- Two luxury vehicles or equivalent stipend.
- 30 hours of personal private jet time annually.
- Season tickets for basketball and football games.
Maximum annual bonus potential: $700,000.
Mark Pope Buyout
Pope’s buyout clauses are structured to balance his commitment to Kentucky with the university’s risk management:
If Kentucky Terminates Without Cause:
If Kentucky terminates Mark Pope without cause, he is owed 75% of the remaining salary on his contract. Here’s how it breaks down by year:
- After 2024-25: $17.625 million (75% of $23.5 million remaining)
- After 2025-26: $14.625 million (75% of $19.5 million remaining)
- After 2026-27: $11.25 million (75% of $15 million remaining)
- After 2027-28: $7.125 million (75% of $9.5 million remaining)
- After 2028-29: $0 (contract ends)
If Pope Leaves Before Contract Ends:
- 2024-25: Owes $8.6 million (33% of remaining salary if AD Mitch Barnhart remains; 20% otherwise).
- 2025-26: Owes $7.125 million.
- 2026-27: Owes $5.5 million.
- 2027-28: Owes $3.875 million.
- 2028-29: Owes $1.5 million.
These clauses aim to deter early exits while giving Pope a clear understanding of his financial obligations should he seek other opportunities.
The Road Ahead
Pope’s first season comes with immense pressure. Kentucky fans expect Final Four appearances and national titles, and Pope’s deal emphasizes postseason success. Off the court, Pope will need to navigate NIL dynamics and transfer portal challenges to keep Kentucky competitive. His academic incentives show a commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes, aligning with the university’s values.
Success in Lexington isn’t guaranteed, but with his strong ties to the program and Kentucky’s resources behind him, Pope is poised to make his mark.
