The Kentucky Wildcats wrapped up head coach Mark Pope’s first season with a strong 24-12 record, highlighted by a Sweet Sixteen run and a 10-8 mark in SEC play. The team opened the year in dominant fashion, winning 12 of its first 14 games and securing major victories over top-ten opponents Duke, Gonzaga, and Florida.
Looking to build on that momentum, the Wildcats have secured a key piece of their coaching staff. Mikhail McLean, the 33-year-old assistant coach praised by Pope as a “rising star,” has agreed to stay with the program through the 2026-27 season—reinforcing continuity in Kentucky’s player development efforts.
The news was reported Saturday by KY Insider’s Chris Beasmore via X.
Kentucky Commits to Coaching Staff Stability Following Mark Pope’s First Season
By Rowan Fisher-Shotton | May 3, 2025, 7:12 PM EDT
The Kentucky Wildcats wrapped up an encouraging first year under head coach Mark Pope with a 24–12 record, a Sweet Sixteen appearance, and a 10–8 mark in SEC play. The Wildcats opened the season with an impressive 12–2 start, featuring signature wins over top-ten teams Duke, Gonzaga, and Florida.
Now, the program is taking steps to ensure continuity by retaining a key member of its coaching staff. Assistant coach Mikhail McLean—whom Pope has described as a “rising star”—has agreed to remain on staff through the 2026–27 season. The extension helps solidify Kentucky’s player-development foundation as Pope enters his second year with increased roster control.
The news was first reported by KY Insider’s Chris Beasmore on Saturday.
McLean initially joined Kentucky in 2024 on a one-year, $150,000 deal. His new contract boosts his base salary to $400,000 for the 2025–26 season and $425,000 in 2026–27.
Before coming to Lexington, McLean played and coached under Kelvin Sampson at Houston, then spent three seasons as an assistant at Lamar. In 2023–24, he helped lead the Cardinals to a 19–14 record—their best at the Division I level since 2011–12 and second-best since 1987–88. A native of the Bahamas, McLean has also served as associate head coach of the Bahamian National Team.
Under Pope, Kentucky showcased a high-powered offense (84.4 points per game) but struggled defensively (77.2 points allowed). In the NCAA Tournament, the Wildcats defeated Troy and Illinois before falling to Tennessee in the Sweet Sixteen.
McLean’s return offers stability and strategic continuity as Kentucky aims to build on its postseason momentum.
Leave a Reply