Kentucky Fires Football Coach Mark Stoops After 13 Seasons

The University of Kentucky fired football coach Mark Stoops on Sunday evening, ending his 13-season tenure with the Wildcats after a second consecutive losing campaign. The 58-year-old Stoops, who had been the program's winningest coach, compiled a 72-80 overall record during his time in Lexington, including two 10-win seasons in 2018 and 2021.

Kentucky's decision followed a 5-7 finish this season, capped by a 41-0 loss to in-state rival Louisville on Saturday that eliminated any chance of a bowl appearance. The Wildcats had gone 4-8 in 2024, marking a sharp decline from the consistency Stoops brought earlier in his run. From 2016 through 2023, Kentucky qualified for bowl games every year under his leadership, securing four victories in those contests. Losses to Vanderbilt and Louisville this season were particularly damaging, as they prevented the team from reaching the six wins needed for postseason eligibility.

Stoops, who took over before the 2013 season, had been the longest-tenured head coach in the Southeastern Conference until his departure. He surpassed legendary Alabama coach Bear Bryant's mark for most wins at Kentucky in 2022 with a victory over Florida, his 60th in...