Mark Stoops’ 12-season tenure as head coach of Kentucky football has been a story of mixed results. While he holds the title of the program’s all-time winningest coach with 67 official victories (10 were vacated in 2021), his overall record of 67–73, struggles against ranked teams, and lack of success in high-stakes games highlight a tenure that has both elevated the program and left fans frustrated.
Struggles in Big Games
Stoops has only managed 10 wins against ranked opponents during his time at Kentucky—less than one per year on average. Many of those victories came against teams ranked near the bottom of the Top 25 or programs in rebuilding phases, such as Florida in recent years.
The Wildcats have been routinely outmatched against Top 10 teams, often suffering blowout losses. While moments like the 2018 Citrus Bowl victory over Penn State provided brief flashes of hope, Stoops’ 28–62 record in SEC play remains underwhelming. Despite improvements in overall competitiveness, Kentucky still struggles to secure consistent wins against the conference’s elite—or even its middle-tier programs.
A Costly Contract
Adding to fans’ frustration is Stoops’ lucrative contract, which seems more focused on long-term stability than on performance accountability. His current deal, running through 2031, includes a clause for automatic one-year extensions for every season with at least seven wins.
The buyout to terminate Stoops stands at an eye-watering $44 million, potentially exceeding $60 million when factoring in assistant coaches. This financial commitment effectively ties Kentucky’s hands, making a coaching change all but impossible without significant donor backing. Many fans have criticized this arrangement, feeling it prioritizes loyalty over results, especially as Stoops’ performance has dipped since the 2018 Citrus Bowl win.
Has Kentucky Hit Its Ceiling?
Under Stoops, Kentucky has undoubtedly improved from the low points of the Joker Phillips era. Bowl game appearances became routine, and the program garnered occasional national attention. However, the Wildcats have failed to break through as a true SEC contender.
Recent seasons have seen cracks forming in the program’s progress. The end of a multi-year bowl streak, recruiting challenges, and repeated blowout losses to rivals like Tennessee, Louisville, and South Carolina have fans questioning whether Stoops can take the program to the next level—or if he already has.
The $9 Million Question
For a coach earning $9 million annually, fans expect more than middling records and lopsided losses in key games. As Stoops continues to accumulate buyout-protected years, the central question remains: Is this the best Kentucky football can hope for? And if so, is that good enough for fans and the university?
The program’s future under Stoops is uncertain, but one thing is clear: patience is wearing thin in Lexington.
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