Kentucky Football: Pressure Mounts to Invest Like Indiana Amid Stoops Buyout Concerns
LEXINGTON, KY – As Kentucky football faces a critical juncture with head coach Mark Stoops, the university is increasingly urged to mirror Indiana’s recent aggressive investment in its football program, potentially avoiding a costly and disruptive coaching change. Stoops’ contract, which runs through 2028, includes a significant buyout clause – $37.7 million if terminated after December 1, and $38.8 million if terminated during the season,according to USA TODAY’s coaches salary database.
The financial implications of dismissing Stoops are substantial, but a failure to act decisively could lead to a prolonged period of instability. This situation echoes a recent chance Indiana had to hire Dusty May, the current head basketball coach at Michigan, after the 2023-24 season. Instead of forcing a change, Indiana retained Mike Woodson, allowing May to except a position elsewhere. Kentucky now finds itself at a similar crossroads, needing to proactively address its football leadership.
The parallel to Indiana’s basketball situation highlights the importance of swift decision-making. Kentucky has a potential candidate in former linebacker Jon Sumrall, who has achieved success as head coach at Troy and currently at Tulane. Like May, Sumrall is widely considered a rising star unlikely to remain at a mid-major program for long.
Historically, Kentucky has demonstrated a willingness to invest in football, but now is not the time for fiscal restraint. A proactive approach, mirroring Indiana’s willingness to invest in basketball, could secure a promising future for the program and avoid a potentially crippling financial burden.