Calipari Endorses Pope Amid Kentucky Basketball Struggles

Former Kentucky coach believes current coach is the right man for the job despite team's poor start.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 12:31am

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Despite Kentucky basketball's struggles this season, former head coach John Calipari has endorsed current coach Mark Pope as the right man for the job. Calipari, who now coaches at Arkansas, praised Pope's work and said the Wildcats are playing better despite their 14-7 record and middle-of-the-pack SEC standing.

Why it matters

Calipari's endorsement carries significant weight, as he led Kentucky to great success during his tenure. His support for Pope could help quell any doubts about the current coach's ability to turn the program around.

The details

Kentucky has struggled to find its footing this season, with a 14-7 record and a blowout loss to Vanderbilt. The Wildcats are in the middle of the SEC standings, a far cry from their usual dominance. However, Calipari, who now coaches at Arkansas, believes Pope is the right man for the job and praised the team for playing better despite the poor start.

  • Kentucky parted ways with John Calipari a couple of offseasons ago.
  • In the 2024-25 season, Mark Pope led Kentucky to a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament, but they were blown out in the Sweet 16.
  • This season, Kentucky has struggled to a 14-7 record and is in the middle of the SEC standings.
  • On Saturday, Kentucky will face Calipari's Arkansas team.

The players

John Calipari

Former head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats, who is now the head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Mark Pope

Current head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats, who is in his second season leading the program.

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What they’re saying

“Mark Pope is doing a great job. For them to struggle like they did and now they are playing better. He's the right man for the job.”

— John Calipari, Head Coach, Arkansas Razorbacks

What’s next

Kentucky will face Calipari's Arkansas team on Saturday, which will be a tough test for the struggling Wildcats.

The takeaway

Despite Kentucky's struggles this season, the endorsement from former coach John Calipari shows that he believes Mark Pope is the right person to lead the program back to its usual level of success in the SEC and nationally.