Kentucky Fires Mark Stoops, Owes Millions in Buyout

The University of Kentucky has fired head football coach Mark Stoops. The move follows a disastrous 2025 season. Kentucky finished with a 4-8 record this year. The decision was confirmed by the school on Sunday.

After 13 seasons, the Stoops era is over. His final game was a 41-0 loss to rival Louisville. The school now faces one of the largest financial payouts in college sports history.

Stoops Contract Triggers Massive Financial Obligation for Kentucky

According to the terms of his contract, Mark Stoops is owed a significant buyout. He will receive 75% of his remaining guaranteed salary. That amount totals approximately $37.7 million.

His contract was set to run through the 2031 season. This payout places him among the highest-paid coach buyouts ever. Only Jimbo Fisher and Brian Kelly have received more money to leave a program.

The financial commitment is a major burden for the athletics department. It will impact the school’s search for a new coach. Kentucky must now pay two head coaching salaries simultaneously.

Kentucky Football Program Seeks New Direction After Decline

Mark Stoops leaves as the winningest coach in Kentucky football history. His official record stands at 82-80 over 13 seasons. He led the team to eight consecutive bowl games from 2016 to 2023.

However, the program struggled recently. Kentucky went 9-15 over the past two seasons. Their SEC record was a dismal 3-13 during that stretch.

The changing landscape of college football contributed to the decline. Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and the transfer portal created new challenges. Kentucky could not keep pace with other SEC programs in this new era. The school’s administration decided a change was necessary to revive the program.

The search for a new head coach begins immediately. Kentucky’s decision to fire Mark Stoops comes with an unprecedented financial cost. The $37.7 million buyout will be a defining element of this coaching transition.

Thought you’d like to know

How much is Mark Stoops’ buyout from Kentucky?

Mark Stoops’ buyout is approximately $37.7 million. This is 75% of the remaining salary on his contract, which ran through 2031. It is one of the largest coach buyouts in college football history.

Why was Mark Stoops fired?

Stoops was fired after two consecutive losing seasons. Kentucky finished 4-8 in 2025, including a 41-0 loss to Louisville. The team had a 3-13 record in SEC play over the 2024 and 2025 seasons.

Who has the largest college football coach buyout ever?

Jimbo Fisher holds the record with a $76 million buyout from Texas A&M. Brian Kelly’s $54 million buyout from Notre Dame is second. Stoops’ $37.7 million payout is among the top three.

What was Mark Stoops’ record at Kentucky?

His official record was 82 wins and 80 losses over 13 seasons. Ten wins from the 2021 season were later vacated due to NCAA violations. Even so, he leaves as the winningest coach in program history.

What happens next for Kentucky football?

The university will immediately begin a national search for a new head coach. The athletics department must manage the financial weight of Stoops’ buyout while funding a new coaching staff. Revitalizing the roster via the transfer portal will be a top priority.