Kentucky is expected to fire head football coach Mark Stoops Monday

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Kentucky is expected to fire head football coach Mark Stoops sometime today after 13 seasons with the Wildcats, according to multiple reports.

ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported Sunday night that the dismissal process will begin Monday. Stoops, the program’s all-time wins leader, oversaw back-to-back losing seasons, finishing 4-8 in 2024 and 5-7 in 2025, with just three SEC wins over the two-year span. He ends his tenure at Kentucky with an 82-80 overall record.

Under the terms of his contract, Stoops is owed $38 million within 60 days of his firing. However, On3 Sports’ Chris Low reported that Stoops and the university are working on a separation agreement that would allow the payout to be made over an extended period.

The decision comes one day after Kentucky was shut out 41-0 by rival Louisville, closing the season at 5-7 overall and 2-6 in SEC play.

The university has not yet officially commented on the reports.