Stoops out, national search underway
LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Kentucky Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart announced Monday that the university is making a change at head football coach, ending Mark Stoops’ 13-season tenure leading the Wildcats.
In a statement released by UK Athletics, Barnhart said he informed Stoops that the program “has decided to go in a new direction.”
“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.”
Barnhart said the university is “committed to build upon the strong foundation that has been laid” and has already launched a national search for the next head coach.
“We move forward committed to build upon the strong foundation that has been laid and to pursue excellence relentlessly,” Barnhart said. “Kentucky Football is positioned for success. We will continue to make the necessary investments to recruit an elite head coach, players, and support staff. That includes fully funding revenue-sharing and NIL opportunities, providing state-of-the-art facilities, and ensuring our student-athletes have every resource to thrive.”
He added that Big Blue Nation’s “passion and loyalty” help make Kroger Field “one of the best environments in college football.”
University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto also issued a statement supporting Barnhart’s decision.
“After a review that he conducts every year, Mitch is making a change in the head coaching position of our football team,” Capilouto said. “I support his decision and will work with him to make a hire that will achieve the levels of success the Big Blue Nation expects and that we all want.”
Capilouto thanked Stoops for his 13 years of service, saying he “helped lead the revival of this program and achieved historic results.”
“It is critically important that we are competitive and successful in football,” Capilouto added. “That is our goal. It is our focus. We intend to be successful.”
Stoops leaves Kentucky as the longest-tenured coach in program history, with multiple bowl appearances and national rankings during his run.
The university will have to come up with nearly $38 million to pay out what’s left on Stoops’ contract.
