The University of Kentucky terminated head football coach Mark Stoops on Sunday evening, ending his 13-year tenure after consecutive losses to Vanderbilt and Louisville closed out a turbulent season.
According to university sources, discussions about Stoops’ future began immediately following Saturday’s loss to Louisville and continued throughout the day. The final administrative group responsible for approving the move signed off at 6 p.m.
Stoops, the winningest head coach in Kentucky football history, will receive a $37 million buyout. While his contract required the university to pay the full amount within 60 days, sources say Stoops is open to spreading the payments over several years.
Kentucky’s season trajectory shifted dramatically. After stumbling early, the Wildcats rebounded with three straight wins and sat just one victory away from bowl eligibility. But a disappointing performance against Vanderbilt—despite the Commodores enjoying an unusually strong year—combined with the rivalry loss to Louisville ultimately sealed the decision.
UK officials had targeted former Wildcat player and assistant coach John Sumrall as their top choice. However, Sumrall had already agreed to become head coach at the University of Florida prior to UK’s late-night efforts to bring him back to Lexington.
Attention now turns to Oregon offensive coordinator William Stein, widely considered one of the nation’s top rising assistants. A Louisville native and former University of Louisville player, Stein is expected to be high on Kentucky’s shortlist.
Stoops’ firing ends one of the most successful eras in program history. He led Kentucky to eight consecutive bowl appearances, elevated recruiting expectations, and rebuilt the program’s national reputation.
UK Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart is scheduled to brief the university’s Board of Trustees about the transition and search process during meetings Monday and Tuesday.
In a statement released Sunday, Barnhart praised Stoops’ contributions while emphasizing the need for renewed momentum.
“I have informed Coach Mark Stoops that we have decided to go in a new direction at head coach,” Barnhart said. “His tenure transformed the program and reset expectations… We move forward committed to building upon the strong foundation that has been laid and to pursue excellence relentlessly.”
Barnhart said the national search for Stoops’ successor has already begun.
“Kentucky Football is positioned for success,” he added. “We will continue to make the necessary investments to recruit an elite head coach, players, and support staff… Our mission is clear: to build a championship program for the people of Kentucky.”
UK President Eli Capilouto expressed support for Barnhart’s review and decision.
“I support his decision and will work with him to make a hire that will achieve the levels of success the Big Blue Nation expects,” Capilouto said. “Coach Stoops helped lead the revival of this program and achieved historic results… It is critically important that we are competitive and successful in football. That is our goal.”
The coaching search begins immediately as Kentucky positions itself for a pivotal offseason and a new chapter in program history.
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