Breaking: It has now been reported that Mark Stoops is staying at Kentucky
It has now been confirmed that Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops will not be taking the Texas A&M head coaching position after all, as Saturday’s news has taken a sudden twist after Kentucky Sports Radio host Matt Jones released the news just hours after the first announcement.
Multiple sources, including TexAgs’ Billy Liucci, AggieYell Editor Mark Passwaters, and ESPN insider Pete Thamel, confirmed that Stoops will stay in Lexington (KY) after all, as nothing was finalized between both parties.
Stoops, who is finished his 11th year at Kentucky with a 7-5 record (matching A&M), has compiled a 72-64 record (35-55 SEC) and has taken the Wildcats to seven bowl game appearances, including four wins while recording two 10-win seasons in 2018 and 2021.
BREAKING:
I am told by a very good source that Mark Stoops is staying at Kentucky
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) November 26, 2023
At the age of 56, Stoops has a proven track record. Still, after firing Fisher with an enormous $76.8 Million buyout attached, this looks more like a lateral move, if any—Stoop’s $4.5 Million buyout was probably a selling point initially. Still, until we receive the inner details regarding the sudden change in the agreement, the Aggies will return to the drawing board as the coaching search continues.
Saturday’s reports from Thamel and The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman included UTSA’s Jeff Traylor, Arizona’s Jedd Fisch, Duke’s Mike Elko, and Utah’s Kyle Whittingham as fellow candidates for the postion. At the same time, Stoop’s sudden inclusion surprised many. Here is a personal message from the man himself:
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…
— Mark Stoops (@UKCoachStoops) November 26, 2023
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