Mark Stoops was essentially a one-man coaching carousel on Saturday night. When everything settled, Stoops finished Saturday the same way, as Kentucky’s head football coach. He also took to Twitter/X and issued a statement.
For anyone who might have missed it, reports broke on Saturday night that Stoops was leaving Kentucky to take the job at Texas A&M. But not long after those reports broke, others came out. Those reported (and later confirmed) that Stoops was not going to the Aggies and would indeed be staying at Kentucky.
And while Stoops didn’t name Texas A&M in his statement, he did confirm that he had been contacted about a possible opening. He also reaffirmed his desire to stay with the Wildcats.
“I know there’s been much speculation about me and my job situation the last couple of days,” Stoops said. “It’s true I was contacted about a potential opportunity this weekend, but after celebrating a big win against our rivals with players I love like family, I knew in my heart I couldn’t leave the University of Kentucky right now. I have a great job at a place I love, and I get to work with the best administration and greatest fan base in college football right where I’m at. I’m excited to say I’m a Wildcat!”
I know there’s been much speculation about me and my job situation the last couple of days. It’s true I was contacted about a potential opportunity this weekend, but after celebrating a big win against our rivals with players I love like family, I knew in my heart I couldn’t…
— Mark Stoops (@UKCoachStoops) November 26, 2023
Kentucky football’s Twitter/X page quote tweeted Stoops’ statement with a video of the coach on the sideline.
https://t.co/4vvgHWet6i pic.twitter.com/uoLktvuLCv
— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) November 26, 2023
Others in the college football world also reacted to Stoops.
Stoops not going to Texas A&M. Wild ride the last few hours. https://t.co/rxyv1Vek3d
— Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) November 26, 2023
Mark Stoops staying at Kentucky – possibly after a fan revolt at Texas A&M made it so. https://t.co/VoFYQdSKHP
— Adam Gorney (@adamgorney) November 26, 2023
Bob’s little brother turned Aggie down https://t.co/gJSNWGpe2Q
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) November 26, 2023
Let’s freaking go https://t.co/XVdkV2v0za
— CoachMarrowUK (@vincemarrow) November 26, 2023
Respect his decision! https://t.co/CrJsQFyyAo
— Josh Pate (@LateKickJosh) November 26, 2023
There you have it folks.
What. A. Day. https://t.co/IT18E69WxW
— Nick Roush (@RoushKSR) November 26, 2023
And so ends the weirdest day. https://t.co/XjDWwJsCzU
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) November 26, 2023
It was indeed a full day for the Kentucky football program. The Wildcats finished their regular season with a road upset of rival Louisville. Not only did the Cardinals enter the game at 10-1, but they had an outside shot at a College Football Playoff spot with a win over Kentucky on Saturday and another over Florida State in the ACC Championship Game. The loss to the Wildcats ended those hopes.
Saturday’s win over Louisville gave Kentucky a 7-5 regular season. The Wildcats went 3-5 in conference play, finishing fourth in the SEC West.
Kentucky has notched a pair of 10-win seasons under Stoops. In both 2018 and 2021, the Wildcats went 10-3 overall, 5-3 in the SEC and won the Citrus Bowl, defeating Penn State and Iowa, respectively.
Stoops became Kentucky’s head coach in 2013. In the 11 seasons in Lexington, he’s become the program’s winningest coach, surpassing the previous record holder, Bear Bryant. The Wildcats have enjoyed some success under Stoops. Kentucky has also reached a bowl game in each of the last seven seasons and has an eighth on the way in 2023.
Over his 11 seasons with the Wildcats, Stoops has compiled a 73-64 record and a 35-55 mark in the SEC.
[Mark Stoops on Twitter/X, Kentucky Football on Twitter/X]
