The Mark Stoops era at the University of Kentucky is over.
In a statement released earlier today, UK Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart said today that he had notified Coach Stoops that the school has decided to go in a new direction at head coach.
“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,” Barnhart said. “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 have begun a national search to identify the next leader of Kentucky Football, someone with proven coaching results and a vision for success for Kentucky,” Barnhart added.
The Wildcats went 72-and-80 under Stoops, not including the 10-win 2021 season that was vacated due to players receiving “impermissible benefits.” Stoops’ current contract was set to run through the 2031 season.
The Wildcats went 5-and-7 this year and missed a bowl for the second straight year.
UK President Eli Capilouto said in a release that he supported Barnhart’s decision and thanked Coach Stoops for his time and efforts at Kentucky.
“I want to thank Coach Stoops for his 13 years of service and leadership at the University of Kentucky,” Capilouto said. “He helped lead the revival of this program and achieved historic results. We are deeply appreciative of what he accomplished with this program and with the support of a committed staff throughout UK Athletics, outstanding young men and an incredible fan base.”