LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Mark Stoops is officially out as Kentucky football coach.
The school announced the move Monday morning, ending a 13-year run that transformed the Wildcats program but fizzled in recent seasons.
“I want to thank Mark for his dedication and leadership over the past 13 years, and as importantly, the friendship that is marked by walking these journeys together,” UK athletic director Mitch Barnhart said in a statement. “His tenure transformed the program and reset expectations. His time here was filled with memorable victories, a historic run of consecutive bowl appearances, and a commitment to developing young men both on and off the field.
“We move forward committed to build upon the strong foundation that has been laid and to pursue excellence relentlessly.”
Stoops had insisted Saturday there was “0% chance” he was leaving. ESPN first reported the plan to part ways on Sunday night.
The university did not disclose terms of the buyout. Under his contract, UK owes Stoops $37.7 million within 60 days of dismissal, though On3 reported he was willing to accept a multi-year payout.
Stoops took over a 2-10 program in 2012 and led Kentucky to 82 wins, four bowl victories and two 10-win seasons — the first since 1977. He became the longest-tenured coach in program history and signed a $9 million-per-year extension in 2022.
But since that extension, Kentucky is 17-24. The Wildcats went 4-8 in 2024 and 5-7 in 2025, including lopsided losses to Vanderbilt and a shorthanded Louisville team with bowl eligibility on the line.
A 2021 Citrus Bowl victory over Iowa that gave Stoops his second 10-win season was later vacated by the NCAA due to violations involving players being paid for hospital jobs they didn’t work. Stoops was not implicated in the findings.
Despite overhauling Kentucky’s approach to the transfer portal, including signing 24 veteran players ahead of the 2025 season, Stoops couldn’t plug all the holes on a roster that had thinned in key areas.
“Critically important that we are competitive and successful in football,” UK president Eli Capilouto said. “That is our goal. It is our focus. We intend to be successful.”
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