Lexington, Kentucky, December 1, 2025
The University of Kentucky has parted ways with head football coach Mark Stoops after 13 seasons, following two consecutive losing seasons. Stoops leaves as the program’s all-time winningest coach with an overall record of 82-80. His dismissal comes after a disappointing 4-8 record in 2024 and a 5-7 record in 2025, culminating in a heavy loss to rival Louisville. With a buyout estimated at $37.7 million, the Wildcats now seek a new head coach to revitalize their football program amidst multiple coaching changes in the SEC.
Lexington, Kentucky: University of Kentucky Fires Head Football Coach Mark Stoops
The University of Kentucky has dismissed head football coach Mark Stoops after 13 seasons, following back-to-back losing seasons. Stoops, 58, leaves as the program’s all-time winningest coach with a record of 82-80, including 10-win seasons in 2018 and 2021. However, recent performances—a 4-8 record in 2024 and a 5-7 record in 2025 capped by a 41-0 loss to rival Louisville—led to his termination. Stoops’ contract buyout is approximately $37.7 million, representing 75% of his remaining salary. A team meeting is scheduled for Monday to address the coaching situation. Kentucky becomes the fifth Southeastern Conference (SEC) team to make a coaching change this year, following LSU, Arkansas, Auburn, and Florida, all of which have already appointed replacements. The Wildcats will now seek a new head coach to lead the program forward.
Background on Mark Stoops’ Tenure
Mark Stoops was hired as the head coach of the University of Kentucky football program in November 2012, replacing Joker Phillips. Under Stoops’ leadership, the Wildcats achieved several milestones, including:
- Eight consecutive bowl game appearances from 2016 to 2023, marking the longest streak in school history.
- 10-win seasons in 2018 and 2021, the first such achievements for Kentucky since 1977.
- Victories over rivals such as Florida and Louisville, contributing to a shift in expectations for the program.
Despite these successes, the program faced challenges in recent seasons, culminating in the decision to part ways with Stoops after the 2025 season.
Implications for Kentucky Football
The dismissal of Mark Stoops marks a significant turning point for Kentucky football. The university now faces the task of hiring a new head coach capable of revitalizing the program and returning it to its previous competitive stature. The substantial buyout payment to Stoops underscores the financial commitment involved in this transition. As the coaching carousel continues, Kentucky’s decision reflects a broader trend within the SEC, where multiple programs have made changes in their coaching staff this year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why was Mark Stoops fired as head coach of Kentucky football?
Mark Stoops was dismissed after leading the team to back-to-back losing seasons, including a 4-8 record in 2024 and a 5-7 record in 2025, capped by a 41-0 loss to rival Louisville. Despite his status as the program’s all-time winningest coach, recent performances led to his termination.
What is the financial impact of firing Mark Stoops?
Stoops’ contract buyout is approximately $37.7 million, representing 75% of his remaining salary. This substantial payment reflects the financial commitment required for the university to part ways with the coach.
What were Mark Stoops’ achievements during his tenure at Kentucky?
During his 13-year tenure, Stoops led Kentucky to eight consecutive bowl game appearances from 2016 to 2023, achieved 10-win seasons in 2018 and 2021, and secured victories over rivals such as Florida and Louisville, contributing to a shift in expectations for the program.
How does Kentucky’s coaching change compare to other SEC programs?
Kentucky becomes the fifth SEC team to make a coaching change this year, following LSU, Arkansas, Auburn, and Florida, all of which have already appointed replacements. This trend reflects a broader movement within the conference to reassess coaching leadership.
Key Features of the Coaching Change
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Coach Dismissed | Mark Stoops |
| Tenure | 13 seasons (2013–2025) |
| Overall Record | 82-80 |
| Recent Seasons | 4-8 in 2024; 5-7 in 2025 |
| Notable Achievements | 10-win seasons in 2018 and 2021; eight consecutive bowl appearances from 2016 to 2023 |
| Financial Implications | Contract buyout of approximately $37.7 million |
| SEC Coaching Changes | Fifth SEC team to make a coaching change this year |
Now Happening on X
- @WLKY (December 1, 2025, 7:40 AM) LMPD is investigating two separate shootings on the same street that left one man dead and another injured. View on X
- @WDRBNews (December 1, 2025, 10:00 PM) Police are investigating after a juvenile was hit by a car in Louisville’s Taylor Berry neighborhood. View on X
- @WDRBNews (November 30, 2025, 9:24 AM) One person is dead and another injured following a shooting in Louisville’s Parkland neighborhood, according to police. View on X
- @WLKY (November 29, 2025, 7:21 PM) A Louisville man has been arrested and accused of causing severe head trauma to a child. View on X
- @WLKY (November 30, 2025, 12:53 AM) Several Louisville small businesses are recovering after break-ins occurred on Thanksgiving morning. View on X
- @WLKY (November 26, 2025, 8:50 PM) LMPD has released the names of two officers who fatally shot a man in the Southside neighborhood. View on X
- @WDRBNews (November 28, 2025, 10:20 AM) One person is dead following an early morning house fire in Louisville’s PRP neighborhood. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Will Stein Named Top Candidate for Kentucky Football Head Coach
Louisville Weather Update: Cold Snap and Snow Flurries Ahead
Coach Mark Stoops Remains Committed to Kentucky Wildcats Football
Kentucky Wildcats End Season with Loss to Louisville
Louisville Secures Dominant Win Over Kentucky
Karsten Busch Decommits from Louisville Football Program
Injuries Cast a Shadow Over Governor’s Cup Rivalry
University of Kentucky Women’s Basketball Soars to No. 20
Bellarmine Women’s Soccer Clinches ASUN Championship Bid in Dramatic Draw
Budget Cuts Threaten The Louisville Cardinal Amid Athletic Funding
