Mark Stoops Expresses Gratitude Following Kentucky Dismissal, Will Stein Named New head Coach
LEXINGTON, KY – Mark Stoops has released a statement thanking kentucky fans, players, and staff one day after his 13-year tenure as head coach concluded. Stoops, who was fired Monday, expressed deep gratitude for his time with the program. “To all of my former players, coaches, staffers, and the Big Blue nation, from the bottom of my heart, thank you,” stoops wrote. “Coaching at Kentucky the last 13 years has been one of the greatest honors of my life.I’ve felt your support, your pride, and your love every single day. Kentucky has become my home and I’ll be forever grateful to have been your head coach.”
Hired prior to the 2013 season, Stoops was the SEC’s longest-tenured head coach before his dismissal.He finished his time at Kentucky with an overall record of 82-80 (38-68 in SEC play) and lead the Wildcats to eight consecutive bowl game appearances from 2016-2023, becoming the program’s all-time winningest head coach. However, the program struggled in the past two seasons, posting a 9-15 record and failing to reach postseason play. A late-season collapse, including defeats to vanderbilt (45-17) and Louisville (41-0), ultimately contributed to the decision.
Kentucky has swiftly moved to fill the vacancy, naming Will Stein, the former offensive coordinator at Oregon, as its new head coach. Stein, a Louisville native, served as the Ducks’ play-caller for the past three seasons and will continue in that role through Oregon’s college Football Playoff run while transitioning to his new position. “Growing up in Kentucky and sitting in the stands at UK games as a kid, I coudl only dream of one day leading the Wildcats,” Stein stated. ”This is truly a dream come true.”
Despite recent setbacks, Stoops’ legacy at Kentucky remains critically important, solidifying his place as one of the most triumphant coaches in program history.