Prior to arriving at UTB/TSC, Pope was an assistant coach at Bellevue University in Bellevue, Neb. He helped Bellevue University to win three conference titles, two regional titles and one super regional title. The team also made two NAIA College World Series appearance.

Pope started his college coaching career at Dana College in Blair, Neb., where he served as the catchers' coach and hitting coach and assisted with the pitching staff. His other duties at Dana College included recruiting, fundraising, student development and field maintenance. 

Pope also served as a camp coach and coordinator from 2000-2007 at Mississippi State University. While at Mississippi State, Pope assisted several successful coaches, including the legendary Ron Polk, who has the fifth-most wins among active NCAA Division I baseball coaches.

Pope's other coaching experiences include five years as a head coach in the High School Strike Zone league, one year in the College Ultimate Baseball league and as a consultant to numerous youth select teams in Omaha, Neb.

Pope attended Dana College from 2000-04, where he was a four-year starting catcher. In his time there, he helped to lead the Vikings to two conference titles and to two regional tournaments.

Pope, a native of Carthage, Miss., graduated from Dana College in May 2004 with a bachelor's degree in Physical Education and Sports Management and is currently working toward his Master of Science of Coaching degree at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.