Mark Pope has quickly become one of the most beloved figures in Kentucky basketball. Since stepping into the role as the Wildcats’ head coach, he has won over Big Blue Nation with his charisma, his energy, and his deep ties to the program. On the court, he’s an elite coach: a strategist who knows how to run an offense, inspire a defense, and build a team that can compete on college basketball’s biggest stage.
But away from the court? Pope recently revealed there’s one everyday skill he simply hasn’t mastered—driving.
Pope’s Confession: “I’m a Terrible Driver”
In a sit-down with the Field of 68 network, Pope didn’t sugarcoat it: “I’m a terrible driver, especially with a bigger vehicle,” he admitted with a laugh. For a coach who thrives under pressure, can handle recruiting battles, and doesn’t blink at the expectations of leading Kentucky, it’s almost funny to think that parallel parking or navigating traffic is what trips him up.
Analyst Jeff Goodman pressed further, asking Pope how many tickets he’s racked up in his lifetime. That’s when Pope launched into a story that perfectly captures his humor and self-awareness.
The Switzerland Story
Earlier this summer, Pope was in Switzerland for the FIBA U19 World Cup, where he was watching future Wildcats and other prospects in action. At one point, he was driving a rental car on what he described as “a 2.5-hour stretch that felt like the autobahn.”
“It was awesome,” Pope recalled. “We’re flying, everything’s smooth, and I’m thinking, this is great.”
But the fun didn’t last. The next evening, as he drove through a series of long tunnels, flashing lights caught his attention. “I’m like, what is that?” he said.
Goodman jumped in with the obvious question: “How fast were you going?”
Pope chuckled before responding, “Fast but safe.” That “safe” speed, however, didn’t save him from the consequences. By the end of the trip, Pope was hit with a steep fine.
A Fine Fans Can Relate To
When Goodman pressed him on just how bad the ticket was, Pope gave an answer only Kentucky fans would truly appreciate: “Not good… but not quite as much as the ice cream at Rupp Arena last year.”
That line drew laughs, but it also sparked memories of one of Pope’s most famous off-court gestures. After a home game last season, he left his credit card with arena workers and told them to treat every fan still in attendance to free ice cream. The idea was simple and sweet, but when the bill came back without a discount, it cost Pope a fortune.
In true Pope fashion, though, he laughed it off and turned the moment into part of his legend in Lexington.
A Coach Who’s Human Too
For Big Blue Nation, this driving confession is just another reminder of why Pope resonates so strongly with the fanbase. He’s authentic. He doesn’t hide his flaws, and he doesn’t try to be someone he’s not. He’s as quick to poke fun at himself as he is to challenge his team to be great.
Kentucky basketball has always been about more than wins and losses. It’s about relationships, identity, and belonging to something larger than yourself. Pope embodies that spirit, whether he’s breaking down film, joking about speeding tickets, or footing the bill for ice cream.
Maybe Leave the Driving to Someone Else
Still, Wildcats fans may want to keep this story in mind the next time they spot their coach cruising around Lexington. If you see Pope behind the wheel of his SUV, it might be wise to give him a little extra space.
And considering his wife Leanne once ran out of gas during a drive, maybe the Popes should let someone else handle transportation altogether. Uber might be the safest bet—at least until Kentucky wins a national title, and Pope can afford all the fines he wants.
