Another Kentucky basketball coach signs a new deal with the Wildcats

Another key member of Mark Pope’s coaching staff has signed a new contract to remain with the University of Kentucky, and it comes with a big raise. Mark Fox, who came to UK last spring with nearly two decades of experience as a Division I head coach, has agreed to a one-year extension that will keep him with the Wildcats through the upcoming season.

Fox, who turned 56 years old in January, had the title of associate coach on Pope’s first Kentucky basketball staff during the 2024-25 season. He was a trusted adviser for the new UK head coach and the most experienced member of his initial staff.

From the beginning of the season, Pope praised Fox for his work with transfer guard Otega Oweh, who emerged as the Wildcats’ leading scorer, a second-team All-SEC selection and a potential NBA draft pick — all of which were surprises, based on preseason projections.

Coach Fox has done an unbelievable job mentoring Otega,” Pope said after the first game of the season. “He spends a lot of time with Otega, and Otega has done an unbelievable job trusting and being receptive, and so he’s just simplified his game just a little bit in just a couple very specific areas, and he’s become a brilliant decision-maker.”