BYU Introduces Mark Pope As Head Basketball Coach

PROVO, Utah – Former UVU head coach and BYU assistant coach Mark Pope was named as BYU’s head coach at a press conference held by athletic director Tom Holmoe.

Holmoe began the press conference by describing his excitement as he gathered information from former players and others close to the program to inform his decision in the search process.

“When all was said and done, it all pointed to Mark Pope as our next basketball coach,” said Holmoe.

Pope, who was an assistant at BYU from 2011-15, most recently served as the head coach at Utah Valley. With a 77-56 overall record in four seasons at UVU, Pope led the Wolverines to a 25-10 record and an appearance in the College Basketball Invitational last season.

WELCOME BACK COACH!!#BYUhoops #GoCougs pic.twitter.com/YqBiWjymUy

— BYU Basketball (@BYUbasketball) April 10, 2019

“This place is like nowhere else,” said Pope after his introduction by Holmoe. “It is a beacon on a hill. And it is such an honor and priviledge to have the opportunity to be the head men’s basketball coach here at Brigham Young University. I couldn’t be more proud or more excited.”

After his success at UVU, Pope was considered to be one of the rising stars in college basketball. He received an endorsement on Twitter from legendary coach Rick Pitino, who coached Pope at Kentucky during his playing days.

Pope replaces Dave Rose, who had a 14-year tenure at BYU and led the Cougars to 348-135 record. Under Rose, the Cougars advanced all the way to the Sweet 16 of the 2011 NCAA Tournament with a team that featured national player of the year Jimmer Fredette.

BYU announces Mark Pope as head men’s basketball coach #BYUHoops #GoCougs https://t.co/R46zFOR5Bs

— BYU Basketball (@BYUbasketball) April 10, 2019

Rose announced his retirement on March 26.

Last season, BYU finished with a 19-13 record and were eliminated quickly in their opening game in the West Coast Conference tournament by San Diego.