Reports indicate that Kentucky is likely to dismiss Stoops

Kentucky’s long-serving head coach, Mark Stoops, is reportedly set to be fired after 13 seasons leading the Wildcats, as ESPN’s Pete Thamel revealed. The official announcement is anticipated to come out soon, with the university possibly owing Stoops a massive $37.68 million, payable within 60 days. Still, Chris Low of On3 indicates that Stoops was open to negotiating an agreement to spread out the buyout payment over several years. Stoops holds the distinction of being the most successful football coach in Kentucky school history, boasting a 72-80 record over 13 seasons, with eight consecutive bowl appearances and two 10-win campaigns, although 10 wins from the 2021 season were wiped out due to NCAA violations. However, the team has struggled over the last two seasons, managing only a 3-13 record in SEC play and 9-15 overall.

Kentucky closed out this season with a disappointing 5-7 record, including a crippling end to the season with consecutive losses to Vanderbilt and Louisville, where they were outscored 82-14. This poor performance culminated in the Wildcats being one of six SEC schools poised to welcome new head coaches next season. LSU, Ole Miss, Auburn, Arkansas, and Florida were also among those that made coaching changes over the weekend, signaling a major shakeup in the conference.

As a developing story, updates on this situation are expected to follow. Visual content courtesy of Randy J Williams of the Associated Press.