Kentucky has dismissed longtime head football coach Mark Stoops, bringing an end to a 13-year tenure that reshaped the program but ultimately concluded with back-to-back losing seasons. The decision, first reported by On3’s Pete Nakos and ESPN’s Chris Low, follows Kentucky’s defeat to Louisville and growing uncertainty surrounding the team’s direction in a competitive SEC landscape.
Stoops, Kentucky’s all-time winningest coach, had publicly insisted he would not step down voluntarily. “Zero percent chance I walk,” he said last week. However, after university officials approached him about parting ways, he agreed to negotiate terms for a structured separation instead of a lump-sum payout.
The firing triggers a major clause in his contract. Under a 2017 amendment, the University of Kentucky must pay 75% of his remaining salary if terminated without cause. This entitles Stoops to an estimated $38 million buyout, one of the largest in college football.
Stoops’ legacy at Kentucky is considerable. The Ohio native guided the Wildcats to eight consecutive bowl appearances from 2016 to 2023, elevating a program once viewed as an SEC afterthought. His tenure included standout moments such as 10-win seasons in 2018 and 2021 and long-awaited victories against rivals Florida and Louisville. In 2022, he surpassed Bear Bryant’s program record for career wins, cementing his place in school history.
Despite a 2022 contract extension through 2030, momentum slowed amid recent struggles on both sides of the ball. With fan frustration mounting and recruiting challenges looming, the university opted for a reset.
As attention shifts to the next chapter, Kentucky is expected to begin its search for a new head coach immediately.
Stoops’ net worth is estimated at around $9 million, according to Essentially Sports, though some outlets place the figure closer to $2.5 million depending on salary calculations and incentives.
