Ryan Black, Louisville Courier JournalMon, December 1, 2025 at 3:02 PM UTC·2 min readLEXINGTON — Less than 12 hours after word began circulating Kentucky football and longtime coach Mark Stoops were parting ways, UK athletics director Mitch Barnhart confirmed the news Monday morning.
“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 in an official statement announcing the news. "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.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement"We move forward committed to build upon the strong foundation that has been laid and to pursue excellence relentlessly."
Kentucky president Eli Calipilouto also shared a statement Monday, saying he supported Barnhart's decision and that he would work with the AD "to make a hire that will achieve the levels of success the Big Blue Nation expects and that we all want" going forward.
"I want to thank Coach Stoops for his 13 years of service and leadership at the University of Kentucky," Calipilouto 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.
"It is critically important that we are competitive and successful in football. That is our goal. It is our focus. We intend to be successful."
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementStoops ended his tenure holding numerous records for the Wildcats. He is the winningest coach in program history, with an on-field record of 82-80 (38-68 SEC). UK and the NCAA recognize Stoops' official record as 72-80 (33-68) after the school was required to vacate every victory from their 10-win 2021 campaign because of NCAA violations.
Stoops also holds program marks for years as coach (13) as well as most home wins, most SEC victories and most triumphs over ranked opponents. At the time of his departure, Stoops was the longest-tenured active coach in the conference.
Reach Kentucky men’s basketball and football reporter Ryan Black at [email protected] and follow him on X at @RyanABlack.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Mark Stoops transformed Kentucky football, UK AD Mitch Barnhart says
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