Kentucky Parts Ways with Mark Stoops, School’s Winningest Football Coach: Source
Mark Stoops, Kentucky’s winningest football coach, has been relieved of his duties following a disappointing 2025 season. This decision comes after Stoops led the Wildcats to eight consecutive bowl games but ultimately finished the season with a 5-7 record.
Kentucky Parts Ways with Mark Stoops
Stoops’ termination was confirmed by a source close to the coach. The announcement was made shortly after Kentucky suffered a second consecutive severe defeat to rival Louisville. This marks the end of Stoops’ 13-year tenure at the university.
Tenure and Achievements
During his time at Kentucky, Stoops achieved a record of 72 wins and 80 losses. His notable accomplishments include:
- Eight straight bowl game appearances from 2016 to 2023.
- Two seasons with 10 wins, including one season later vacated due to NCAA violations.
- A remarkable turnaround against Florida, winning four of five matchups.
Challenges in Recent Years
Despite earlier successes, the past two seasons saw the program regress. The Wildcats recorded a disappointing overall record of 9-15 and a poor 3-13 in SEC play. This decline coincided with key departures from the coaching staff, including the exit of longtime assistant Vince Marrow, who left for Louisville.
Financial Implications
The decision to part ways with Stoops carries significant financial consequences. His contract includes a buyout clause of $36 million, which must be paid within 60 days unless a negotiated settlement occurs.
Recent Performance
In the final weeks of the season, Kentucky struggled with defeats by Vanderbilt and Louisville. The team was outscored 86-17 in those two games. Stoops had previously expressed confidence in his position, stating there was a “zero percent chance” he would step down voluntarily.
With the firing of Mark Stoops, Kentucky enters a new chapter in its football program, seeking to rebound after a challenging season and regain its competitive edge on the field.
