Kentucky parted ways on Monday with Mark Stoops, the winningest football coach in school history who "transformed the program and reset expectations" in Lexington.

Stoops, 58, compiled an 82-80 record of 13 seasons with the Wildcats. He guided them to 10-win seasons and Citrus Bowl victories in both the 2018 and 2021 seasons.

But Kentucky went 4-8 in 2024 and 5-7 in 2025, most recently taking a 41-0 drubbing at the hands of rival Louisville on Saturday.

Athletic director Mitch Barnhart said on Monday the school decided to "go in a new direction." Kentucky owes Stoops a buyout of about $37.7 million, or 75% percent of the salary remaining on his contract.

"I want to thank Mark for his dedication and leadership over the past 13 years, and as importantly, the friendship that is marked by

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