Mark Stoops agrees to lengthy extension to remain at Kentucky

Mark Stoops has been a hot name as the college football coaching madness is in full swing, but on Tuesday, the Kentucky head coach reached an agreement and is staying in Lexington, according to a press release from the University.

The contract will run through June 2028 and continues guaranteed extensions for any season with seven wins (one-year extension) or 10 wins (two-year extension).  The agreement takes into account the Wildcats’ current 9-3 campaign, which already had earned a one-year extension through June 2027, regardless of the outcome of UK’s upcoming bowl game.

 “We have been in discussion with Coach Stoops in recent weeks and are excited about his ongoing commitment to Kentucky,” UK Director of Athletics Mitch Barnhart said.

“Coach Stoops has done an outstanding job in building the UK football program and we look forward to continued success under his leadership.”

Mark Stoops first season at Kentucky was 2013.  He inherited a team that had gone 2-10 the season prior to his arrival, Stoops methodically built the program by equaling or surpassing the previous year’s record for six consecutive seasons.
 
“Our football and athletics programs have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to success for our students — on the field and in the classroom,” said UK President Eli Capilouto.

“Our football program, under Mark Stoops, has only strengthened the commitment that we have as an institution to putting students first in everything that we do. We are preparing our students for lives of meaning and purpose when they leave UK, no matter what path they take.”

The Kentucky front man has demonstrated loyalty in a time where it feels like coaches are bolting for the next hot job. He gave a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the conversations that led to Tuesday’s extension.

“I’m excited to continue to build this program to national prominence,” Mark Stoops said.  “We’re on our way and I’m more confident in Kentucky football than I’ve ever been.”

Mark Stoops sounds like a man who is ready to build something special in the ultra-competitive SEC. Kentucky fans are happy now, only time will tell if the trajectory of the program will continue to climb.