Kentucky parted methods on Monday with Mark Stoops, the winningest soccer coach in class historical past who “remodeled this system and reset expectations” in Lexington.
Stoops, 58, compiled an 82-80 report of 13 seasons with the Wildcats. He guided them to 10-win seasons and Citrus Bowl victories in each the 2018 and 2021 seasons.
However Kentucky went 4-8 in 2024 and 5-7 in 2025, most lately taking a 41-0 drubbing by the hands of rival Louisville on Saturday.
Athletic director Mitch Barnhart mentioned on Monday the varsity determined to “go in a brand new path.” Kentucky owes Stoops a buyout of about $37.7 million, or 75% % of the wage remaining on his contract.
“I wish to thank Mark for his dedication and management over the previous 13 years, and as importantly, the friendship that’s marked by strolling these journeys collectively,” Barnhart mentioned in a information launch. “His tenure remodeled this system and reset expectations. His time right here was stuffed with memorable victories, a historic run of consecutive bowl appearances, and a dedication to growing younger males each on and off the sphere.”
Stoops was requested after Saturday’s loss if there was any probability he may step down.
“I do not imply to be disrespectful to you,” Stoops mentioned. “I imply, like I’ll stroll away? Are you kidding me? No, zero means zero.”
“Zero % probability I stroll away,” Stoops continued. “I’ll be right here so far as I am involved. Now, I can not management what choices which might be made. In the event you’re asking me, I’ve mentioned zero. Zero means zero. Zero % probability I stroll away.”
Kentucky is the fifth SEC group to fireplace its coach this 12 months, and the transfer solely comes after the opposite 4 — LSU, Arkansas, Auburn and Florida — already employed their replacements.
The Wildcats might be working in a thinner teaching market, with South Florida’s Alex Golesh, Tulane’s Jon Sumrall and Memphis’ Ryan Silverfield already in line to hitch Auburn, Florida and Arkansas, respectively. LSU additionally employed Lane Kiffin away from Ole Miss.
“Kentucky Soccer is positioned for achievement,” Barnhart mentioned. “”We’ll proceed to make the mandatory investments to recruit an elite head coach, gamers, and help workers. That features absolutely funding revenue-sharing and NIL alternatives, offering state-of-the-art amenities, and making certain our student-athletes have each useful resource to thrive.
“Our mission is evident: to construct a championship program for the individuals of Kentucky. We embrace this second with optimism and willpower, assured that the subsequent chapter will see Kentucky Soccer attain new heights and obtain nice success.”
Faculty president Eli Capilouto launched an announcement supporting Barnhart’s choice to terminate Stoops.
“I wish to thank Coach Stoops for his 13 years of service and management on the College of Kentucky,” Capilouto mentioned. “He helped lead the revival of this program and achieved historic outcomes. We’re deeply appreciative of what he achieved with this program and with the help of a dedicated workers all through UK Athletics, excellent younger males and an unimaginable fan base.
“It’s critically necessary that we’re aggressive and profitable in soccer. That’s our aim. It’s our focus. We intend to achieve success.”
Stoops led the Wildcats to eight consecutive bowl video games from 2016-23, profitable 4 of them. He was named the SEC Coach of the 12 months in 2018. Kentucky peaked at No. 7 within the Related Press throughout his tenure in 2022.
–Subject Stage Media
