​The Kentucky Wildcats currently have one open assistant coaching vacancy on Mark Pope’s staff, and for some time the rumor mill has tied former NBA star Jamal Crawford to the program. While Crawford would be an appealing addition, it does not appear that a signing is imminent for this season.
In a recent appearance on Kentucky Sports Radio, Pope weighed in on Crawford and shared several remarks about the situation. He noted that Crawford still has two years left on his NBC contract. “I’m good friends with Jamal,” Pope said, underscoring the long-standing relationship between the two. He added that there could come a time when it would be beneficial for Crawford to transition into coaching, and acknowledged that such a move is something Crawford himself would welcome.
At present, Crawford is busy with his NBC duties, calling games alongside Reggie Miller and Mike Tirico. He is also lending his expertise as an assistant coach for his son’s high school team, which keeps him particularly occupied. This combination of high-profile broadcasting work and hands-on coaching at the grassroots level makes the prospect of him joining Kentucky even more complex.
So, who might fill the Wildcats’ final coaching slot? Pope stressed that the choice must be the right fit and the right person for the job. He indicated that if the ideal candidate doesn’t come along, they could opt to leave the position open rather than force a hire. The coaching search, as Pope suggested, will be followed as it progresses, with updates provided as more information becomes available.
This report originally appeared on UK Wildcats Wire, in an article detailing Mark Pope’s update on Jamal Crawford and what it could mean for the Wildcats’ coaching plans. The focus remains on finding a candidate who brings the right blend of experience, leadership, and fit with the program’s culture and goals, while also considering the logistical realities of Crawford’s current commitments and his potential interest in moving into coaching. The search continues, and fans will be watching closely to see who ultimately fills the last vacancy on Pope’s staff.