The University of Kentucky has formally announced that Jason Hart, one of Mark Pope’s initial appointments as the new men’s basketball coach, has finalized a two-year agreement with the team. As per UK’s official records, Hart will receive a remuneration of £500,000 for the 2024-25 season and £525,000 for the 2025-26 season. These salary terms are consistent with those of fellow UK assistant coach Cody Fueger, who also joined Pope’s coaching staff on April 22.
Hart and Fueger are the first pair of additions to Pope’s coaching staff, and their principal responsibilities will involve off-campus recruiting for the team. Alvin Brooks III, the associate head coach, will similarly undertake off-campus recruiting duties, with the coaching staff also including Mark Fox and Mikhail McLean.
At the age of 46, Hart brings extensive experience to the UK basketball program, having formerly served as head coach of the NBA’s G League Ignite program and as an assistant at Southern Cal for eight seasons. His illustrious resume includes contributing to the Trojans’ 2021 Elite Eight appearance in the NCAA Tournament.
Notably, Hart shares a personal history with Mark Pope, having been teammates during Hart’s rookie season with the Milwaukee Bucks. Their shared experiences as former players and now as colleagues in coaching form a formidable alliance.
In addition to their base salaries, the new UK assistant coaches are also eligible for performance-based bonuses. Achieving a Sweet 16 appearance would earn them an additional £20,000, while reaching the Elite Eight would result in a £30,000 bonus. A trip to the Final Four would bring a £50,000 reward, with a national championship win garnering a substantial £100,000 bonus. Furthermore, the trio would also be entitled to £30,000 for an SEC regular-season title and £20,000 for a victory in the SEC Tournament.
These new coaching contracts are part of a broader restructuring effort at the University of Kentucky, as Mark Pope has agreed to a substantial five-year contract worth £27.5 million to lead the Wildcats. His contract also includes various bonuses and incentives based on the team’s performance.
The confirmed details of Jason Hart’s contract offer insight into the investment and confidence that the University of Kentucky is placing in its basketball program. As the Wildcats look to the future, the team’s coaching staff appears ready to guide them towards sustained success on the court.