LEXINGTON, KY — In a decisive move quelling recent speculations, Mark Stoops, the long-standing head coach of the University of Kentucky’s football team, has publicly affirmed his commitment to the Wildcats. This announcement arrives amidst swirling rumors linking him to the head-coaching vacancy at Texas A&M.
Stoops, who has led the Wildcats for eleven seasons, took to social media early Sunday to declare his intentions, following Kentucky’s impressive 38-31 victory over the No. 10 ranked Louisville. While Stoops refrained from directly naming Texas A&M in his post, he acknowledged being approached about a potential coaching opportunity over the weekend.
The speculation gained momentum after Texas A&M parted ways with Jimbo Fisher two weeks ago. Despite ongoing searches and talks, sources close to ESPN’s Pete Thamel confirmed that Stoops is not on the roster for the Aggies’ coaching position. The Aggies, who completed their season with a 7-5 record under interim head coach Elijah Robinson, suffered a loss in their regular-season finale against No. 14 LSU.
Under Stoops’ guidance, Kentucky has achieved a notable milestone, heading to a bowl game for a record eighth consecutive season, a feat last seen between 1946 and 1956. At 56, Stoops holds the distinction of being the winningest coach in the history of Kentucky football, boasting a 73-64 career record. His current contract secures his position at Kentucky through the 2031 season.
This steadfast commitment by Stoops underscores his dedication to the Wildcats, as he continues to build on a legacy of success and resilience. As Kentucky prepares for its bowl game appearance, the focus remains on extending their impressive run, under the leadership of a coach deeply entrenched in the fabric of Kentucky football history.