Kentucky cuts ties with Mark Stoops after 13 seasons of stagnation

Aaron Patrick Lenyear

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Kentucky cuts ties with Mark Stoops after 13 seasons of stagnation image

Mark Stoops, 12/1/2025

For the first time in over a decade, the Kentucky Wildcats are heading into an offseason without Mark Stoops leading the program. After 13 seasons in Lexington, Stoops has officially been fired, ending a tenure that delivered a handful of high points but ultimately stalled in recent years. His final record sits at 82–80, including a respectable 4–4 mark in bowl games, highlighted by four straight postseason wins between 2018 and 2021.

But the past two seasons painted a very different picture. Kentucky went just 9–15 during that span, missing bowl season entirely and losing ground to nearly every SEC rival. The Wildcats’ offense struggled severely in 2025, averaging only 21.3 points per game, ranking 104th nationally. The defense didn’t offer much relief either, surrendering 27.9 points per contest, good for just 79th in the country. Combine that with a –0.8 turnover margin, one of the worst marks in college football, and it became clear the program was heading backward.

Behind the scenes, Stoops pushed to keep his job, but both sides realized a reset was necessary. Kentucky negotiated his exit carefully, agreeing to stretch his massive $38 million buyout over several years instead of paying it in one lump sum within 60 days.

Now the Wildcats enter a pivotal crossroads. Recruiting has slipped, on-field production has cratered, and the SEC isn’t getting any easier. Kentucky needs fresh energy, bold leadership, and an offensive identity that can compete in the modern game. One thing is certain, this next hire will define the Wildcats’ trajectory for years to come.

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Staff Writer