SEC Coaching Carousel Spins Again: Kentucky Parts Ways with Mark Stoops in Stunning Move
It was already a wild Sunday in the SEC, but Kentucky decided to close the night with fireworks of its own. In a move that stunned much of the college football world, the Wildcats are parting ways with longtime head coach Mark Stoops-and they’re doing so in dramatic fashion.
The school is reportedly set to pay Stoops $37 million within 60 days to vacate the head coach’s office. That’s a hefty check for a program that, until Stoops arrived, wasn’t exactly a regular in the national conversation.
Stoops becomes the sixth SEC head coach to be shown the door this season, and in terms of both timing and payout, this one might be the most surprising of them all. It’s a reminder-if anyone needed one-that in the SEC, everything is bigger, especially the stakes.
A Legacy of Elevation-and Decline
Let’s be clear: Stoops didn’t just coach at Kentucky-he changed what it meant to coach for Kentucky. Over 13 seasons, he compiled a 72-80 record, a mark that doesn’t jump off the page until you consider the context.
This is a program that hadn’t seen consistent bowl appearances, let alone double-digit win seasons, before Stoops arrived. He delivered both-two 10-win campaigns and eight straight bowl berths.
He raised the floor in Lexington. He made winning football feel sustainable.
But the last two seasons told a different story. The program had clearly lost some of its edge, and Saturday’s 41-0 shutout loss to in-state rival Louisville felt like the final straw.
That kind of result, especially in a rivalry game, tends to accelerate tough decisions.
Timing Questions and a Missed Opportunity
The timing of the move is curious. Kentucky’s decision came so late in the coaching cycle that it may have cost them a shot at reuniting with Jon Sumrall, a beloved former Wildcat and rising coaching star.
Instead, Sumrall is now set to face his alma mater as a conference rival in the SEC. That’s a tough pill to swallow for a program that could’ve used a familiar face to steady the ship.
Still, Kentucky remains an appealing job. It’s an SEC gig, which now essentially means Power 2 status.
The school has resources, a passionate (and often underrated) fan base, and a recruiting footprint that stretches into Ohio and beyond. The next coach will have to navigate the internal politics of sharing revenue and NIL dollars with basketball and Olympic sports, but the bar for success remains manageable.
Bowl games and competitiveness in the East? That’ll do.
Who’s Next in Line?
So where does Kentucky turn now? The list of potential candidates is intriguing and reflects a wide range of philosophies-from up-and-coming coordinators to seasoned program builders.
**1. A Former Louisville QB in Lexington?
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Yes, it’s possible.
One of the hottest names on the board is a 36-year-old former Cardinals quarterback and assistant coach who’s made waves out west. He’s helped develop multiple first-round quarterbacks and guided the Ducks to back-to-back playoff appearances.
His ties to the state and recruiting chops make him a compelling fit, even if the optics of a former Louisville player leading Kentucky might raise some eyebrows.
2. Brian Hartline (Ohio State)
Hartline has been a fixture at Ohio State, where he’s built a reputation as one of the best recruiters and wide receiver developers in the country. While he’s yet to take a head coaching job, he’s been on the radar for several cycles.
Kentucky could offer him a launchpad in the SEC, and his deep Ohio ties would be a major asset-especially considering how much success the Wildcats have had mining talent from the Buckeye State.
3. Glenn Schumann (Georgia)
At just 35, Schumann has already become one of the most respected defensive minds in college football. He’s been a key architect of Georgia’s dominant units under Kirby Smart and is expected to be in the mix for every major opening in the SEC.
He’d bring youthful energy and a championship pedigree, while maintaining the tough, physical identity that Kentucky fans have come to appreciate.
4. Matt Campbell (Iowa State)
Campbell’s name surfaces every year for good reason. He’s built a consistent winner in Ames-no easy feat-and has deep roots in the Midwest.
Lexington might be just far enough south to offer SEC prestige without pulling him too far out of his comfort zone. After a decade with the Cyclones, a new challenge could be exactly what he’s looking for.
**5. P.J.
Fleck (Minnesota)**
Fleck is a polarizing figure, but there’s no denying his track record.
He’s taken Minnesota to a bowl game in every season except the COVID year and has done it at a program that rarely gets national attention. His energy and culture-building approach would be a sharp contrast to Stoops’ more reserved style, but that might be exactly what Kentucky needs.
6. Barry Odom (UNLV)
Odom’s SEC experience is extensive, and he’s reminded folks of his coaching chops by leading UNLV to a 10-win season and a spot in the Mountain West title game. He won at Mississippi State-a job widely considered tougher than Kentucky’s-and would bring a battle-tested resume to Lexington.
7. Jon Parker (Troy)
If Kentucky wants someone who knows the program inside and out, Parker is a strong candidate. He grew up in eastern Kentucky, played for the Wildcats, and even served as a graduate assistant.
Now, he’s got Troy back in the Sun Belt title game. His familiarity with the state and the school could make for a smooth transition.
8. Ricky Rahne (Old Dominion)
Rahne has steadily built up Old Dominion and just capped a nine-win season. He’s worked under respected coaches like Bill Snyder and James Franklin and has SEC experience from his time at Vanderbilt.
His teams play tough, physical football, and he brings an offensive background that could help modernize Kentucky’s attack.
The search is on, and while Kentucky’s decision to move on from Stoops comes with risk, it also opens the door to a new era. The job won’t be for everyone-but for the right coach, Lexington offers a rare blend: SEC competition, realistic expectations, and a fan base that’s ready to rally behind a fresh start.