Kentucky basketball is reportedly exploring a front-office evolution similar to what college football programs are increasingly adopting — a GM-style position. But head coach Mark Pope is making one thing clear: this isn’t something the Wildcats are rushing.
On Friday, Pope said Kentucky is having “long discussions” about what a GM role could look like and has even floated potential names around the program. However, he emphasized that a hasty hire could backfire.
> “We’ve seen places around the country where it’s been an epic disaster, and we’ve seen places where it’s been functional,” Pope said. “When it lands right, we’ll do it. But it’s not something that we want to rush into because it can be really costly. There’s the do-no-harm vibe.”
Why Kentucky is Considering a GM
In theory, Pope loves the concept. A GM could provide additional manpower, a singular focus, and round-the-clock oversight in an era of NIL deals, transfer portal chaos, and roster management challenges. The right person could help navigate recruiting, retention, and contract negotiations in ways a traditional staff isn’t equipped to handle.
But Pope cautions that implementing such a role isn’t without complications. The goal is often to create “one degree of separation” between coaches and NIL activities, keeping programs compliant with NCAA rules. But that separation can create communication gaps that impact the people who matter most — the players.
> “I think sometimes it can be less beneficial for student-athletes,” Pope said. “I think sometimes it can be a little problematic in terms of communication-wise. Believe it or not, these student-athletes still matter, right? That’s still the most important thing that’s going on.”
Leaning on Existing Infrastructure
Until the right candidate and structure are identified, Pope says he’s relying heavily on the program’s existing support system. He praised the partnership with JMI Sports and the leadership of athletic director Mitch Barnhart, noting the late nights and tight deadlines involved in navigating NIL rules.
> “I, in a sense, have a whole team of people that are working contracts, working possibilities,” Pope said, singling out JMI’s Paul Archey and Kim Shelton. “One of the complicated things right now is that there’s not a clear interpretation of exactly what the rules are. We’ll make sure that we always err on the side of doing this legal, which is a guessing game because nobody knows exactly what’s legal right now.”
For Pope, the GM role is simply the final piece of the puzzle. With the internal team, JMI, and Barnhart providing “ridiculous” support, it’s about finding the right person to fit the program’s culture.
> “In these dynamic times, landing on exactly the right spot is ultimately my job to guess the right spot,” he said. “When it lands right, we’ll do it.”
