Kentucky
Mark Pope contract details include an automatic extension regarding the NCAA Tournament
We now have details on the Mark Pope contract, and it’s quite interesting.
Jon Hale of the Lexington Herald-Leader was able to obtain a copy of Pope’s term sheet with the Kentucky Wildcats, which is the typical five-year contract most college coaches get.
However, this one will be unique in that it offers an automatic extension and pay raise if Kentucky advances past the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament, something that hasn’t happened since 2019.
If Kentucky makes it to the Sweet 16, Pope’s contract will be automatically extended by one season with a $500,000 raise.
Other details include:
- A $500,000 bonus for a national championship.
- A $250,000 bonus for a Final Four.
- A $100,000 bonus for a trip to the Elite Eight.
- A $100,000 bonus for an SEC championship.
- A $50,000 bonus for an SEC Tournament title
- A $25,000 bonus for a team GPA of 3.0 or greater.
- A $25,000 bonus for a team APR score of at least 975.
I’d say this is a reasonable deal for a coach leading Kentucky Basketball, which is probably the most demanding basketball job there is.
It’s also safe to say Mitch Barnhart loves ponying up for guys named Mark after giving Mark Stoops a similar deal that used to include an automatic one-year extension when Kentucky was bowl-eligible.
Let’s hope Pope is frequently getting that extension, as it means Kentucky gets back to making deep NCAA Tournament runs.
Go here to read the full report from Jon Hale.
A wide receiver from Belle Glade, Florida, Gilmore totaled 28 receptions for 313 yards and one touchdown for the Wildcats during the 2025 season. The 6-foot-1 sophomore has had a very interesting offseason as he entered the portal, flipped a commitment, and is now back in Lexington.
After the 2025 season, Gilmore committed to Louisville when he entered the transfer portal, then flipped his commitment to Baylor, and ultimately signed with the Bears. To end Gilmore’s portal saga, he’s now back in a familiar place with the Wildcats.
When the 2026 season begins, Gilmore will have two years of eligibility remaining.
Gilmore had a solid sophomore campaign with the Wildcats, appearing in all 12 games. His best game of the season came in the late-season loss against Vanderbilt. He tallied six catches for 55 yards in the game.
With Kentucky losing most of its wide receiver production from last season, this is a significant pickup, and it won’t be surprising if Gilmore is back in the starting lineup this fall.
As for the Aggies, the only name on the report is Mackenzie Mgbako, a one-time Kentucky target who remains out for the season after undergoing foot surgery. Texas A&M head coach Bucky McMilan said today that Mgbako will return next season, which would be a big boost for the Aggies before the offseason begins.
Kentucky vs. Texas A&M Injury Report
COVINGTON, Ky. (WKRC) – The Licking River Bridge was demolished Monday morning in a controlled blast, clearing the way for a replacement structure.
Authorities established a 1,000-foot safety perimeter, closed nearby roads and asked residents to shelter in place before the demolition. The bridge collapsed within seconds of the blast.
“Today we say goodbye to a bridge that has served Kentuckians for nearly a century and we make room for something new. A signature bridge that is safer, stronger and we make room for something new,” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “This region, like the rest of the commonwealth, is evolving, it is booming, it’s economy growing every day. What we’re doing together is building our new Kentucky home.”
The Licking River Bridge is now history after crews brought it down with a controlled demolition Monday morning. (WKRC)
BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT
Crews will begin construction on the new bridge after debris removal is complete. The replacement bridge is expected to open in the summer of 2028.
First Alert: Mix of snow and rain today, then looking ahead to warmer weather
Former Avs defenseman launches beer brand in Denver
Seattle police arrest man accused of throwing rocks at cars and buses, injuring two
Scripps Oceanography granted $15M for deep sea, glacier science
Milwaukee Common Council opposes We Energies’ data center rate plan
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Indiana Members Credit Union announced as new anchor tenant at Bottleworks District
Fraud-plagued Minnesota sues Trump admin for withholding $243M in Medicaid payments
Is Iran expanding attacks to target energy and civilian sites in the Gulf?
Trump claims US stockpiles mean wars can be fought ‘forever’; Kristi Noem testifies before Congress – US politics live
War in the Middle East: Iran’s broad retaliation in the Gulf • FRANCE 24 English
Trump sends official notification to Congress on strikes against Iran
-
World6 days agoExclusive: DeepSeek withholds latest AI model from US chipmakers including Nvidia, sources say
-
Massachusetts6 days agoMother and daughter injured in Taunton house explosion
-
Denver, CO6 days ago10 acres charred, 5 injured in Thornton grass fire, evacuation orders lifted
-
Louisiana1 week agoWildfire near Gum Swamp Road in Livingston Parish now under control; more than 200 acres burned
-
Oregon4 days ago2026 OSAA Oregon Wrestling State Championship Results And Brackets – FloWrestling
-
Florida3 days agoFlorida man rescued after being stuck in shoulder-deep mud for days
-
Technology1 week agoArturia’s FX Collection 6 adds two new effects and a $99 intro version
-
News1 week agoVideo: How Lunar New Year Traditions Take Root Across America