Kentucky basketball head coach Mark Pope knows a thing or two about navigating the spotlight. From drawing up game-winning plays to leading one of the most passionate fanbases in sports, he’s no stranger to pressure either. But his latest venture off the hardwood might just be his most entertaining performance yet.
The new Pope family commercial for @PaulMillerKY Ford is a good one!
— Lee K. Howard ☀️ (@HowardWKYT) December 13, 2024
It also reminds me of how my kids treat me… 😂 pic.twitter.com/raD7eIZogW
Pope and his family starred in a commercial for Paul Miller Ford, where they were treated to a custom Ford Bronco build. The premise? Showcase the perfect blend of Kentucky and family fun. However, as with any great story, there was a twist.
The commercial opens with the Pope family, sans Mark, excitedly talking at Paul Miller Ford to pick about Ford's re-released Bronco that was custom built for the Pope's. Or so Mark thought.
As he admires pops out in a Paul Miller Ford jersey, his family steps in to deliver the ultimate surprise: “No way, Dad. This is ours!”
The ad perfectly balances humor and heart, giving fans a glimpse into Pope’s life beyond the Xs and Os. It also reinforces his consistent message that family—whether at home or in the Big Blue Nation—is at the core of everything he does.
For fans, it’s a reminder that their head coach isn’t just building a winning team—he’s building connections that extend far beyond the court.
That is one of the great things about Mark Pope. He is constantly searching for ways to engrain himself into the fabric of Lexington and BBN as a whole. He understands the passion and the desire for greatness, he wants that too. However, he wants to do it in a way to underscores that people are the most important thing.
So, the next time you see a custom Bronco cruising through Lexington, it might just be the Pope family, living proof that in Kentucky, family always comes first—even if it means leaving the coach to hitch a ride.