For the first time in over a decade, the Kentucky Wildcats are preparing for an offseason without Mark Stoops at the helm. After 13 seasons in Lexington, Stoops is out, ending an era that saw both program-building highs and frustrating plateaus. His final record-82 wins, 80 losses-tells the story of a coach who brought stability and relevance to a long-struggling SEC program, but ultimately couldn’t sustain momentum in the face of rising expectations.
Stoops’ tenure wasn’t without its bright spots. He led Kentucky to four straight bowl victories from 2018 to 2021, helping to raise the program’s national profile.
For a school that had long lived in the shadows of SEC powerhouses, that run mattered. It showed that Kentucky could be more than just a basketball school-it could compete in football, too.
But in the SEC, the bar doesn’t stay still, and the past two seasons showed just how quickly things can unravel.
Over the last two years, the Wildcats stumbled to a 9-15 record. They missed bowl eligibility altogether, a stark contrast to the postseason consistency they’d built earlier in Stoops’ run.
Offensively, 2025 was a struggle from start to finish. Kentucky managed just 21.3 points per game-ranking 104th in the country.
That kind of production just doesn’t cut it in today’s high-octane SEC, where explosive offenses are the norm, not the exception.
Defensively, things weren’t much better. The Wildcats gave up 27.9 points per game, placing them 79th nationally.
Add in a turnover margin of -0.8-one of the worst in the nation-and it’s clear this team was losing the battle in all three phases. The numbers didn’t lie: Kentucky was trending in the wrong direction.
Behind closed doors, Stoops made a push to stay. And after 13 years of service, that’s not surprising.
He helped build something in Lexington that hadn’t existed in decades-relevance, consistency, and a belief that Kentucky football could matter in the SEC. But in the end, both sides recognized it was time for a reset.
The school didn’t just cut ties and walk away. Instead, Kentucky negotiated a more manageable financial exit, spreading out the $38 million buyout over several years rather than paying it all within 60 days. It’s a move that reflects the respect Stoops earned, even as the program decided to move in a new direction.
Now, the Wildcats stand at a critical crossroads. Recruiting momentum has slipped.
The product on the field has regressed. And with the SEC only getting deeper and more competitive-especially with recent realignment and powerhouse programs joining the fold-Kentucky can’t afford to get this next hire wrong.
What the Wildcats need now is a jolt of energy. A coach who can inject life into a stagnant offense, reestablish a winning culture, and bring a clear identity to a team that’s lost its way. This isn’t just about bouncing back-it’s about redefining what Kentucky football can be in the modern SEC.
The next head coach won’t just inherit a roster. They’ll inherit a fanbase hungry for relevance, a conference that doesn’t wait for rebuilds, and a legacy that’s ready for its next chapter. Whoever takes the reins will be tasked with more than just winning games-they’ll be shaping the future of Kentucky football.