Mark Stoops staying at Kentucky despite conflicting reports

Nothing is ever official in college football until it’s official. While reports have leaked out of Mark Stoops leaving Kentucky in favor of Texas A&M, that may not be the case anymore. According to Matt Jones of On3’s Kentucky Sports Radio, things have changed.

Jones says Stoops will in fact be staying at Kentucky and not taking the Texas A&M job. A major shift over the last few hours, where it was believed the Aggies had their next guy. Athletic director Ross Bjork wants the coaching search to wrap up but for now, it will march on.

“BREAKING: I am told by a very good source that Mark Stoops is staying at Kentucky,” Jones said via X.

ESPN’s Pete Thamel later confirmed Jones’ and KSR’s report.

“Kentucky’s Mark Stoops will not be the next Texas A&M coach, ESPN can confirm,” Thamel said.

Stoops is coming off a big in-state rivalry win against Louisville, the fifth straight for Kentucky. The win also secured another winning season for the Wildcats, marking their eighth in a row. For reference, Paul ‘Bear’ Bryant is the only other head coach to say the same in program history.

There will now be a drive for even more winning seasons, with Stoops staying for at least 2024. But for right now, all we know is that he will not be in College Station or wearing maroon next year.

Mark Stoops releases statement, confirms he will stay at Kentucky

For the past few days, the rumors about Stoops and Texas A&M were flying around. While Stoops had been linked to multiple high-profile jobs in the past, they never really came to fruition. This one with the Aggies had more substance to it than ever before.

Shortly after Jones’ report about Stoops staying with Kentucky, the head coach released a statement of his own, confirming the news.

“I know there’s been much speculation about me and my job situation the last couple of days,” Stoops began via X early Sunday morning. “It’s true I was contacted about a potential opportunity this weekend, but after celebrating a big win against our rivals with players I love like family, I knew in my heart I couldn’t leave the University of Kentucky right now. I have a great job at a place I love, and I get to work with the best administration and greatest fan base in college football right where I’m at. I’m excited to say I’m a Wildcat!”