In a surprise move, Mitch Barnhart, Kentucky’s athletic director, has come out swinging in defense of Mark Pope, the Wildcats’ basketball coach. This bold statement comes on the heels of fans calling for Pope’s head after a crushing loss to Arkansas.
Barnhart’s praise for Pope has sparked a heated debate among fans, with some hailing the coach as a genius and others labeling him a disappointment. The athletic director’s comments seem to be a thinly veiled shot at former coach John Calipari, with some fans interpreting the statement as a criticism of Calipari’s recruiting strategy.
While some fans are breathing a sigh of relief that Pope’s job appears to be safe, others are still fuming about the team’s performance. The debate is sure to rage on, but one thing is certain: Mitch Barnhart has thrown down the gauntlet in defense of his coach.
