BYU hires former assistant Mark Pope as head coach

Utah Valley head coach Mark Pope, who spent four years as a BYU assistant under Dave Rose, has been hired to return to BYU as the Cougars’ head coach. Pope was 77-56 over four seasons at UVU with three straight CBI appearances.

“Mark is an outstanding leader and coach. He is also an exceptional recruiter, who recognizes BYU’s unique opportunities for success,” AD Tom Holmoe said Wednesday. “We look forward to having him build on the great tradition of BYU basketball.”

Pope was considered a leading candidate by most upon the announcement of Rose’s retirement last month.

“This place is like nowhere else. It’s such an honor and privilege to be the head basketball coach at BYU,” said Pope. “There’s a standard of excellence on this campus and with this program. Those high expectations are one of the things that excites me the most about being here.”

credit to Ravell Call/Deseret News for the photo