Northside's Legendary Basketball Coach Bill Pope Announces Retirement

Pope led the Vikings to 680 wins and 3 state titles over 40 years as head coach.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 1:23am

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Northside High School in Roanoke, Virginia is announcing the retirement of its legendary boys basketball coach Bill Pope after 40 years at the helm. During his tenure, Pope led the Vikings to an incredible 680 wins, 17 district titles, 8 regional crowns, and 3 VHSL Class 3 State Championships.

Why it matters

Pope's retirement marks the end of an era for Northside basketball, as he has been the face of the program for over four decades. His sustained success and longevity make him one of the greatest high school basketball coaches in Virginia history.

The details

Bill Pope first became the head coach of the Northside Vikings boys basketball team in 1986. Over the next 40 years, he built the program into a powerhouse, leading them to 680 total wins - the 4th highest total wins by a coach at a single school and the 6th highest overall win total by a coach in VHSL history. Under Pope's leadership, the Vikings won 17 district titles, 8 regional championships, and 3 VHSL Class 3 State Championships (in 2019, 2023, and 2024). In recognition of his accomplishments, the Northside main gym was renamed the Bill Pope Gym in 2019.

  • Bill Pope became the head coach of the Northside Vikings in 1986.
  • The Vikings won state championships under Pope in 2019, 2023, and 2024.
  • The Northside main gym was renamed the Bill Pope Gym in 2019.

The players

Bill Pope

The legendary head coach of the Northside Vikings boys basketball team for 40 years, leading them to 680 wins, 17 district titles, 8 regional crowns, and 3 state championships.

Jill Green

The Principal of Northside High School, who praised Pope's incredible legacy and impact on the basketball program.

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What they’re saying

“Bill Pope has been the coach of the Vikings for as long as anyone can remember. This truly is the end of an incredible era for Northside basketball.”

— Jill Green, Principal of Northside High School

What’s next

The school and community will likely hold a retirement ceremony or celebration to honor Coach Pope's illustrious career.

The takeaway

Bill Pope's retirement marks the end of one of the most successful high school basketball coaching tenures in Virginia history. His sustained excellence and commitment to the Northside program over four decades is a testament to his coaching prowess and impact on the local community.