History of Mark Pope in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 20, 2026

Mark Pope is an American college basketball coach and former player. He is currently the head men's basketball coach at the University of Kentucky, where he also played college basketball. His career is focused on basketball, both as a player and now as a coach at the collegiate level.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

September 11, 1972: Mark Pope's Birth

On September 11, 1972, Mark Edward Pope was born. He is now an American college basketball coach and former player.

Others born on this day/year

1977: Lynn Archibald at Idaho State

In 1977, Lynn Archibald was the head basketball coach at Idaho State University.

1982: Lynn Archibald at Idaho State

In 1982, Lynn Archibald was the head basketball coach at Idaho State University.

1983: Lynn Archibald at Utah

In 1983, Lynn Archibald was the head basketball coach at the University of Utah.

1989: Lynn Archibald at Utah

In 1989, Lynn Archibald was the head basketball coach at the University of Utah.

1992: Pac-10 Freshman of the Year

In 1992, Mark Pope was named Pac-10 Freshman of the Year while playing for the University of Washington Huskies.

1993: Resignation of Lynn Nance and Pope's Transfer

In 1993, after Lynn Nance resigned as head coach, Mark Pope transferred from the University of Washington to the University of Kentucky.

1994: Sits Out Season Due to Transfer Rules

In 1994, Mark Pope sat out the season due to NCAA transfer rules after transferring to the University of Kentucky.

1996: NCAA National Championship

In 1996, Mark Pope was a team captain on the University of Kentucky team that won the NCAA national championship.

1996: NCAA National Championship and NBA Draft

In 1996, Mark Pope was the team captain for the University of Kentucky's NCAA national championship team. Following this victory in 1996, Pope was drafted in the second round of the NBA draft by the Indiana Pacers.

1996: Drafted by the Indiana Pacers

In 1996, after his college career, Mark Pope was selected in the second round of the NBA draft by the Indiana Pacers.

2005: End of NBA Playing Career

In 2005, Mark Pope's NBA playing career came to an end.

2006: Enrolls in Medical School

In 2006, Mark Pope enrolled in medical school at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City.

2009: Joins University of Georgia Coaching Staff

In 2009, Mark Pope left medical school and joined Mark Fox's coaching staff at the University of Georgia as the director of basketball operations.

2010: Assistant Coach at Wake Forest

In 2010, Mark Pope became an assistant coach at Wake Forest under Jeff Bzdelik.

2011: Assistant Coach at BYU

In 2011, Mark Pope became an assistant coach under Dave Rose at BYU.

2013: NIT Semifinals

In 2013, Mark Pope helped the BYU Cougars reach the semifinals of the NIT.

2015: BYU's Last NCAA Tournament Berth Before Pope

2015 was the last time BYU had a berth for the NCAA Tournament before Mark Pope became the head coach.

2015: Last Tournament Appearance before Pope's BYU Team

2015 was the last time BYU had a berth for the NCAA Tournament before Mark Pope's time with BYU.

2015: Head Coach at Utah Valley

In 2015, Mark Pope became the head coach at Utah Valley University.

2015: Hired as Head Coach at Utah Valley University

In 2015, Mark Pope was hired as the head coach at Utah Valley University (UVU).

2015: End of BYU Assistant Coaching Role

In 2015, Mark Pope's tenure as assistant coach at BYU ended.

2015: Kentucky's Last Win Against Duke Before Pope

The game against Duke in Atlanta gave Kentucky their first win against Duke since 2015.

2017: Postseason Appearance

In 2017, Mark Pope lead UVU to a postseason appearance.

2018: Second Postseason Appearance

In 2018, Mark Pope lead UVU to another postseason appearance.

April 10, 2019: Hired as Head Coach at BYU

On April 10, 2019, Mark Pope was hired as BYU's 19th men's basketball head coach, replacing Dave Rose after Rose's retirement.

2019: No Postseason since 2019

Before 2019, BYU had not been to the postseason.

2019: Head Coach at BYU

In 2019, Mark Pope became the head coach at BYU.

2019: Third Consecutive Postseason Appearance at UVU

In 2019, Mark Pope led the Utah Valley University Wolverines to their third consecutive postseason appearance.

2020: Continued Success at BYU

In 2020, Mark Pope continued his early success with the BYU Cougars, however the NCAA Tournament was cancelled due to COVID-19.

2021: NCAA Tournament Appearance

In 2021, Mark Pope's BYU team received an at-large bid for the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2015.

January 20, 2022: 60th Win at BYU

On January 20, 2022, Mark Pope achieved his 60th career win at BYU, making him the fastest BYU head coach to reach that milestone.

July 1, 2023: BYU Joins Big 12 Conference

On July 1, 2023, BYU became a member of the Big 12 Conference, marking their first season in a major conference with Mark Pope as coach in 2023-24.

April 12, 2024: Hired as Head Coach at Kentucky

On April 12, 2024, Mark Pope was hired to become the 23rd men's basketball head coach at the University of Kentucky.

2024: End of BYU Head Coaching Tenure

In 2024, Mark Pope concluded his tenure as the head coach at BYU.

Mentioned in this timeline

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College basketball is played by student-athletes at universities and colleges...

Kentucky officially the Commonwealth of Kentucky is a state located...

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Columbia University located in New York City is a private...

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