Is Mark Stoops Leaving Kentucky? Who is Mark Stoops?
by Sangamithra
Updated Nov 27, 2023
Is Mark Stoops Leaving Kentucky?
Mark Stoops confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that he's staying at Kentucky, putting an end to speculations linking him to the coaching position at Texas A&M. After Texas A&M's coach, Jimbo Fisher, was fired, Stoops' name emerged as a potential replacement. Despite rumors and initial ambiguity, Stoops decided to remain with the Kentucky Wildcats.
In a statement, Stoops acknowledged being contacted about the Texas A&M opportunity but expressed his commitment to Kentucky. He emphasized his love for the program, the supportive administration, and the passionate fan base. Stoops mentioned the joy of celebrating a significant win against Louisville with his players as a factor in his decision.
Texas A&M's athletic director, Ross Bjork, had previously indicated a move towards incentive-based coaching contracts, contrasting the fully guaranteed deal that Fisher received. Despite Stoops' reported flirtation with Texas A&M, Kentucky did not announce any raise or additional compensation, indicating that Stoops will continue with his current contract, valued at $9.01 million in 2023.
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Who is Mark Stoops?
Mark Thomas Stoops is an American college football coach and former player. Currently serving as the head football coach at the University of Kentucky since 2013, Stoops has played a pivotal role in the program. Before coaching, he had a playing career as a defensive back at Iowa from 1986 to 1988.
Stoops began his coaching journey in 1990 at Iowa as a graduate assistant and later worked at various institutions, including high schools and universities, before joining the University of Kentucky. Known for his defensive expertise, Stoops has been integral to the Wildcats' football success.
As of now, he holds the record for the all-time winningest head coach in the history of the Kentucky Wildcats football program. Stoops' accomplishments include being named SEC Coach of the Year in 2018, showcasing his leadership and impact in college football.
Full Name
Mark Thomas Stoops
Date of Birth
July 9, 1967
Place of Birth
Youngstown, Ohio, U.S.
Playing Career
Iowa Hawkeyes (1986–1988)
Coaching Career
Various universities, including Wyoming, Arizona, Florida State
Head Coaching Role
University of Kentucky (2013–present)
Head Coaching Record
Overall: 73–64; Bowls: 4–3
Notable Achievements
SEC Coach of the Year (2018)
Current Salary
$3.5 million per year (as of 2023)
Longest Tenured Coach
University of Kentucky (since 2013)
Mark Stoops Early Life
Mark Thomas Stoops, born to Ron and Evelyn "Dee Dee" Stoops, grew up in a football-oriented family as one of six children. His early years were shaped in Youngstown, Ohio, where he attended Cardinal Mooney High School. Notably, his father served as an assistant coach and defensive coordinator at the same school. Stoops' football lineage extends beyond his immediate family; he is the brother of former Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops and former Arizona head coach Mike Stoops.
Transitioning from his high school days, Stoops pursued college football at the University of Iowa, playing as a defensive back from 1986 to 1988. His formative years in Youngstown and his family's deep ties to football laid the foundation for his future in the sport, eventually leading him to a successful career as both a player and a coach.
Mark Stoops Career
Mark Stoops, born on July 9, 1967, embarked on a notable career in football. After playing as a defensive back for the Iowa Hawkeyes from 1986 to 1988, he transitioned to coaching. Stoops started as a graduate assistant at Iowa from 1989 to 1991 before taking on roles as an athletic director and defensive backs coach at Nordonia High School in Ohio.
His coaching journey continued with stints at South Florida, Wyoming, and the University of Houston. In 2001, Stoops joined the University of Miami as the defensive backs coach, later moving to Arizona to work under his brother, Mike Stoops. A significant chapter unfolded when he became the defensive coordinator at Florida State in 2009.
In 2013, Stoops assumed the position of head coach at the University of Kentucky. Over the years, he transformed the Wildcats' football program, achieving milestones such as breaking a 31-year losing streak to Florida in 2018 and securing a historic 10-win season. Stoops faced challenges in 2019, navigating quarterback injuries, yet led Kentucky to an 8-5 finish, including a thrilling Belk Bowl victory.
His tenure continued with successes in the 2020 Gator Bowl and the 2022 Citrus Bowl. Mark Stoops, now the longest-tenured head coach in Kentucky football history, signed a contract extension in 2022, solidifying his commitment to the program through the 2030 season.
Mark Stoops to Texas A&M
Mark Stoops, the current head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats, was reportedly set to fill the head coaching vacancy at Texas A&M. Sources indicated that the announcement was imminent, with Stoops poised to become the 31st head coach for the Aggies. However, an unexpected uproar from the Aggie fan base seemingly disrupted the deal.
The Texas A&M Board of Regents had not approved the hiring, and fan/player backlash played a role in the deal falling through. Stoops, after the initial reports, released a statement expressing his commitment to Kentucky, contradicting earlier information. Texas A&M is now exploring other coaching candidates, including Mike Elko, Jedd Fisch, and interim head coach Elijah Robinson.
Mark Stoops Age
Mark Stoops was born on July 9, 1967, making him currently 56 years old. As of 2023, his age places him in the midst of a successful coaching career, notably serving as the head coach for the University of Kentucky football team since 2013.
Stoops has made significant contributions to the program, leading the Wildcats to notable achievements, including historic wins and bowl victories. Despite recent coaching rumors linking him to Texas A&M, Stoops remains a key figure in college football, bringing experience and leadership to the Kentucky Wildcats.
Mark Stoops' Net Worth
Mark Stoops, an experienced football coach with over 20 years of coaching at different universities like the University of Wyoming, the University of Arizona, and Florida State University, has a net worth of $2.5 million. Since 2013, he's been the head football coach at the University of Kentucky, earning an annual salary of $3.5 million.
While his coaching experience is extensive, most of his net worth comes from his coaching contracts, particularly from his impactful role at the University of Kentucky, where he has made a substantial contribution to the football program.
Is Mark Stoops Leaving Kentucky - FAQs
No, Mark Stoops confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that he's staying at Kentucky.
Stoops acknowledged being contacted for the Texas A&M opportunity but chose to stay at Kentucky due to his love for the program and recent win celebrations.
As of now, Stoops holds an overall coaching record of 73–64 with a bowl record of 4–3.
Yes, Mark Stoops was named SEC Coach of the Year in 2018.
Stoops earns an annual salary of $3.5 million as the head coach of the University of Kentucky football team.