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The University of Kentucky has decided to part ways with head football coach Mark Stoops, according to reports. This decision comes after the Wildcats concluded their regular season with a 41-0 loss to the Louisville Cardinals.
After the game, Stoops had stated firmly that he had no plans to resign from his position. He expressed his commitment to the team and his desire to continue leading the program. “Like, I’m going to walk away? Are you kidding me? … Zero percent chance I walk,” Stoops said, as reported by ESPN. “I’m going to be here as far as I’m concerned. Now I can’t control what decision (is going) to be made. If you’re asking me, I said zero. Zero means zero.”
The Wildcats have faced challenges in recent seasons, missing out on bowl game qualifications for the second year in a row. In 2024, the team finished with a 4-8 record, and in 2025, they ended the season at 5-7. Adding to their struggles, the team suffered a loss to Vanderbilt prior to their defeat against Louisville.
Stoops began his tenure as the head coach of Kentucky’s football program before the 2013 season. His first season saw the team with a 2-10 record, but the program showed gradual improvement throughout his time there. In 2018, the Wildcats achieved a significant milestone by winning 10 games, a feat they hadn’t accomplished since 1977.
During his time with Kentucky, Stoops compiled a record of 72-80. Despite recent setbacks, he departs as the coach with the most wins in the program’s history.
As part of the terms of his departure, Stoops is reportedly owed a $36 million buyout, which is to be paid within 60 days.
The university now faces the task of finding a new head coach to lead the football program. Kentucky will be joining several other schools in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) that have recently made changes in their head coaching positions. These include LSU, Ole Miss, Auburn, Arkansas, and Florida, all of which made head-coaching decisions recently.
Other coaching changes in the SEC saw Lane Kiffin move to LSU, with Ole Miss appointing Pete Golding as his replacement. Auburn hired Alex Golesh, Arkansas selected Ryan Silverfield, and Florida brought in Jon Sumrall.
The decision to remove Stoops marks the end of an era for Kentucky football. While the team has struggled recently, his overall record and status as the program’s winningest coach means he leaves a notable legacy. The focus now shifts to the future, as the university looks for a new leader to guide the Wildcats. The search for a replacement is expected to begin immediately, with the aim of having a new coach in place to prepare for the next season.
