Kentucky announces Mike Stoops as inside linebackers coach

The Kentucky Wildcats officially announced the hiring of Mike Stoops as the inside linebackers coach. He will be reconnected with his brother, Mark, who is the head coach of the program.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to coach with Mike again,” head coach Mark Stoops said in a statement. “Mike was instrumental in my early development as a coach, as I learned a lot from him at Arizona. He has a wealth of experience as a head coach, coordinator, and position coach.  I look forward to having him contribute to the staff at Kentucky.” 

Mike Stoops will be making his second stop in the SEC after serving as a defensive analyst for Alabama during the 2019 and 2020 seasons. He won the national championship with Nick Saban’s squad in the latter year. This past season, Stoops served as the Florida Atlantic defensive coordinator and safeties coach.

This is not the first time Stoops has worked for one of his brothers, having multiple stops in Norman with Bob at Oklahoma. He served as the assistant head coach and co-defensive coordinator from 1999-2003 before accepting the Arizona head coaching role. Stoops came back in 2012 and held the same two positions until Lincoln Riley fired him in 2018.

Stoops himself put out a statement after his hiring. He said working with defensive coordinator Brad White is something he is looking forward to.

“I want to thank everyone at the University of Kentucky for this exciting opportunity to coach inside linebackers,” Mike Stoops said. “Mark, his staff, and these players have accomplished a great deal, while competing in the Southeastern Conference, to put the Kentucky football program on the map. I’m looking forward to working with Coach (Brad) White on defense and contributing to the development and success of our players and team. Go Cats!”

The strong suit of Kentucky during the 2021 season was their defense under White. They held opponents to just 21.7 points per game and did so thanks to their elite run game. Teams only rushed for 122 yards per game and just 4.0 yards per carry.

Stoops will come into a linebacker room with one of its top players returning for the 2021 season in DeAndre Square. If the Wildcats are going to continue their success on the defensive side of the ball, the linebackers will be a big reason why.

Kentucky will kick off their 2022 football season at home against Miami (OH). A Stoops brother duo will once again be on the field.