New details have emerged about the university's firing of former Kentucky football coach Mark Stoops, revealing how the school will handle one of the largest buyouts in program history.
Kentucky announced Stoops' firing on Dec. 1, ending a 13-year stretch that provided unprecedented stability but ended with two straight losing seasons. Under contract terms amended in 2017, UK would have owed Stoops 75% of his remaining salary within 60 days—approximately $37.69 million as of Dec. 1, 2025, the fifth-highest buyout in the SEC.
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Instead, both parties agreed to a restructured payment plan. Stoops will receive $3,937,500 within 15 days of his termination, with a deadline set for December 16th. The remaining amount will be paid quarterly over the next five-plus years, amounting to $6.75 million annually through April 1, 2031. It's important to note that Stoops' compensation will not be reduced by future earnings, meaning any coaching job he accepts will not offset Kentucky's financial obligations.
The separation agreement also includes mutual non-disparagement provisions and cooperation requirements in the event of litigation or NCAA requests. In such cases, Kentucky will cover Stoops' related costs.
Stoops leaves as the program's winningest coach, having led the Wildcats to eight straight games from 2016-23. However, his tenure ended with a 4–8 campaign followed by a 5–7 finish, capped by a 41–0 loss to Louisville, the largest margin in the rivalry's history.
Athletic director Mitch Barnhart and new head coach Will Stein publicly thanked Stoops for his contributions, with Stein noting that “without him, Kentucky football would not be what it is today” as he begins his tenure after arriving from Oregon.
