Particle.news
Download on the App Store
8 ARTICLES
·
3d ago

Mark Stoops Rejects Buyout Rumor, Vows to Stay at Kentucky After Georgia Loss

Kentucky is 2-3 with an 0-3 SEC mark under a deal that would require a sizable buyout to make a change.

Sep 27, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Stoops directs his team against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images/File Photo
Image
Oct 4, 2025; Athens, Georgia, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Stoops shown on the sidelines during the game against the Georgia Bulldogs during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Image

Overview

  • Stoops called a Lexington radio report that he sought a buyout after a 2024 Tennessee loss "unequivocally 100% false" and said there is "zero chance" he walks away.
  • The Wildcats fell to 2-3 overall and 0-3 in the SEC after a 35-14 defeat at Georgia, extending their SEC skid to eight straight games.
  • If Kentucky fires Stoops, the school would owe roughly 75% of his remaining salary, widely reported at about $38 million under his contract through 2031.
  • Stoops is the SEC's longest-tenured coach since taking over in 2013, with an official 69-76 record after the 2021 wins were vacated.
  • After a bye, Kentucky hosts ranked Texas and Tennessee, a stretch that raises pressure on a program coming off a 4-8 season and a 1-7 SEC record in 2024.