It’s getting tense in Lexington.
Kentucky basketball coach Mark Pope is facing mounting criticism from fans after a disappointing start to the 2025-26 season.
Social media reactions following Saturday’s loss to Alabama show that many supporters are questioning whether Pope is the right fit to succeed John Calipari.
“Just fire Mark Pope at halftime. Dude is an embarrassment to Kentucky,” one fan wrote online.
When Pope was hired in 2024, hope was high that he could continue the winning tradition at Kentucky. A former Wildcats player who helped win a national championship in the mid-1990s and a successful coach at BYU with a 110-52 record, Pope appeared to have all the credentials. His first season at Kentucky ended in a Sweet 16 appearance, and fans were optimistic about Year 2.
However, that optimism has quickly faded. Entering Saturday’s matchup with Alabama, Kentucky held a 9-4 record, presenting a chance to make a statement in SEC play. Instead, the Wildcats found themselves trailing 50-34 by halftime, prompting an outpouring of criticism from supporters online.
Fans expressed frustration not only with the team’s performance but also with Pope’s coaching style. One noted, “The difference between Mark Pope & John Calipari is Pope wants everybody to play, he doesn’t care if you’re playing bad vs. Calipari will bench you, play you 40 mins if you’re playing great and will go with the same 5 no matter what. Rotations matter, Pope hasn’t figured it out.
Others echoed the sentiment that Pope might not be the right leader for Kentucky basketball. “I love Mark Pope, want him to succeed at the highest level,” one fan wrote. “He’s just not the guy for Kentucky.” Another added, “It has become abundantly clear that Mark Pope is not the man for this job.
With the Wildcats in danger of falling to 9-5, fans are calling for a strong second-half performance to salvage the season — but many are already looking toward the offseason and whether Pope will remain in Lexington.
