BYU Basketball names new head coach

SALT LAKE CITY — Brigham Young University has swiftly appointed Kevin Young as their new head coach following the departure of former head coach Mark Pope. Pope left BYU Basketball and took the head coaching position at Kentucky.

Young is currently the highest-paid assistant coach in the NBA, making 2 million dollars per year. The NBA assistant coach with the Phoenix Suns brings a wealth of professional experience to the collegiate realm.

“Kevin Young’s been a name that’s been known in BYU basketball circles for a long time. He’s entrenched in Pro Sports [and] he is a member of [The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints],” said Mitch Harper, BYU Insider for KSL Sports.

“Despite Young’s lack of college head coaching experience,” Harper noted. “The response has been good because Kevin Young is known for his X’s and O’s and for being able to scheme … a lot of people are praising him in the basketball world.”

BYU’s expedited decision-making process shows the current urgency of the collegiate sports landscape, where player retention is essential in the transfer portal frenzy, as well as the name, image, and likeness permissions in NCAA sports. Harper explained, “BYU typically hires coaches with like a two-week process… BYU had to kind of reverse course and higher in a timely manner, less than a week.”

Young and BYU Basketball

While BYU hasn’t officially confirmed the terms of Young’s contract, CBS reports a seven-year deal worth $30 million. Harper also said this shows BYU’s commitment to investing in top-tier coaching talent and underscores BYU’s determination to succeed in the Big 12 conference.

Related:

BYU students react to Mark Pope’s move to Kentucky

Collin Chandler flips commitment from BYU to Kentucky