27/03/2026 Kentucky, under head coach Mark Pope, lost to Iowa State in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament after finishing the 2025-26 season with a 22-14 record and 10-8 in conference play, tying for 7th place. This early exit meant Pope's contract was not extended by an additional year, keeping his deal through the 2029-30 season. The provision adds a year for reaching the Sweet 16 or further, which had previously extended it after the 2025 Sweet 16 run.
24/02/2026 The Southeastern Conference issued Pope a public reprimand and a $25,000 fine for postgame comments criticizing officiating after Kentucky's 75-74 loss at Auburn on February 21, 2026. The league said the remarks violated its sportsmanship bylaw and its regulation against publicly criticizing officials. Pope had said the team had been cheated in that game.
Social Media