The SEC Media Days saw Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops engage in a fun banter with fellow SEC coach Eli Drinkwitz. That hilarious moment took place ahead of the 2025 season, signalling a solid bond between them. When Stoops was fired on Monday, Drinkwitz did not hold back. He issued a strong statement in support of his fellow coach.

“Mark Stoops is a great man and a terrific football coach and leader,” Eli Drinkwitz shared. “He is well respected by his peers, players, and colleagues! He left Ky Football better than he found it! All the best as you begin a new chapter!”

58-year-old Mark Stoops was the winningest coach in Kentucky’s history. Over 13 seasons, Stoops led the program to an 82-80 record and eight bowl appearances, among the only three SEC teams to achieve that. And two back-to

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