SOURCE: Mark Stoops turns down Texas A&M to stay at Kentucky
Emotions have been high throughout a tumultuous day across the Big Blue Nation. Kentucky fans should be able to rest easy.
Sources tell KSR’s Matt Jones that Mark Stoops is expected to remain the head coach at the University of Kentucky.
The news comes after a crazy night that featured reports from across the internet that Stoops would leave Lexington to become the next head coach at Texas A&M. The initial report said the move would happen “barring a last minute collapse.” Well, that collapse appears to have happened after online outrage at the eleventh hour.
Billy Liucci from TexAgs.com confirms the report, as did ESPN’s Pete Thamel and Bruce Feldman from The Athletic.
Mark Stoops capped off another 7-win season Saturday afternoon by upsetting ninth-ranked Louisville. It’s the highest-ranked win of his record-breaking coaching tenure. He has more wins (72) than any other Wildcat head coach in 11 seasons on the job.This year is the fourth season in which the Cats have defeated Florida and Louisville in the same calendar year.
The day began with news emerging that stoops was a serious candidate for the Texas A&M head coaching vacancy. After the game, he side-stepped his connections to the job by saying he’s kept his “focus and concentration on this team.” It certainly did not quell the rumors that were amplified by reports from team sites on the Rivals and 247 Sports network that the head coach was expected to move on from Lexington.
Now that the madness has passed, a bowl game awaits for the Kentucky Wildcats. The Duke’s Mayo Bowl in Charlotte is the primary projected destination. The transfer portal opens Monday, Dec. 4. Kentucky is expected to sign a Top 25 recruiting class just a few days before Christmas.
Mark Stoops Issues a Statement
As Saturday night turned into Sunday morning, Mark Stoops took to social media to share that he’s staying at Kentucky.
“I know there’s been much speculation about me and my job situation the last couple of days. 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!”
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