LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) - Kentucky has fired the Southeastern Conference's longest-tenured coach, ending Mark Stoops' tenure in his 13th season with the Wildcats after back-to-back losing records.

Athletic director Mitch Barnhart said in a statement Monday morning that he informed Stoops they decided to go in a new direction and started a national search for his replacement.

“We will continue to make the necessary investments to recruit an elite head coach, players, and support staff," Barnhart said. “That includes fully funding revenue-sharing and NIL opportunities, providing state-of-the-art facilities, and ensuring our student-athletes have every resource to thrive.”

Stoops had been tied with N.C. State coach Dave Doeren for the fifth longest-tenured coach at a Bowl Subdivision program.

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