departure. BYU held a press conference with Bronco before he left. Sincere feelings of gratitude for BYU and BYU AD Tom Holmoe were expressed by Bronco, and from Tom Holmoe/BYU for what Bronco had done. Then Bronco went to Virginia and had his introductory press conference. At Virginia, if I remember correctly, Bronco expressed thanks for BYU, and the Virginia representatives mentioned Bronco's history including what he had accomplished at BYU. With Mark Pope, there was no BYU press conference, only a statement from Tom Holmoe. I do not even remember any official statement from Mark Pope to BYU fans. Hardly any mention at Kentucky of Pope's past, except for his past Kentucky connections. Disappointing to say the least, considering BYU gave him a platform to develop/display his coaching skills and be successful. That was used by Pope as a stepping stone to get the Kentucky job he coveted.

Time will tell if Pope was sincere in his rhetoric while at BYU. Even after Mendenhall left for Virginia, he did not shy away from his BYU past. Mendenhall's mantra of faith, family and football at BYU he took to Virginia, and he has now taken to New Mexico. His rhetoric is consistent with what he developed and preached at BYU. Remember, he also stated he did not want to play against BYU. We shall see if Pope is as consistent, and at the same time embrace his BYU past or shy away from it.