Mike Stoops is making a move within the SEC, joining the Ole Miss football program as an assistant on the defensive staff. This transition comes after Stoops' tenure as the inside linebackers coach at Kentucky, where he served from 2022 to 2025.
During his time at Kentucky, he worked alongside his brother, Mark Stoops, until Mark's departure from the program in December. Mike Stoops is also known for his connection to former Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops, his brother.
Ole Miss has been experiencing significant changes in its coaching lineup since Pete Golding took the helm from Lane Kiffin. The Rebels have brought in John David Baker as the new offensive coordinator and Patrick Toney as the defensive coordinator, signaling a fresh strategic direction for the team.
Mike Stoops brings a wealth of experience to Ole Miss, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. His coaching journey began as a graduate assistant at Iowa in 1987, and he has since built an impressive resume.
Notably, he served as the defensive coordinator at Oklahoma from 2012 to 2018 and was the head coach at Arizona from 2004 to 2011. His extensive background in college football coaching is expected to bolster the defensive strategies at Ole Miss, adding depth and expertise to the staff.