Steve Spurrier states Mark Stoops' job at Kentucky is 'safe for several years'

Florida–Kentucky brought a game between two programs where a lot of storylines revolving around coaching are involved. One move has already been made, with the Gators moving on from Billy Napier earlier in the season. Many in Lexington might tell you Mark Stoops should be next but a win on Saturday possibly saved his job.

At least Steve Spurrier thinks so. Spurrier believes Stoops is safe for the foreseeable future due to his buyout structure. In what will be a tough decision to make until Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart actually pulls the trigger, Spurrier expects Stoops to remain with the Wildcats.

“Well, he’s going to be around because they don’t want to buy him out,” Spurrier said via Another Dooley Noted Podcast. “They gave him such a big deal, I don’t know, three or four years ago. He’s safe for several years, I think.”

Kentucky now holds a 4-5 record with three games remaining. You can likely put another tally in the win column as FCS Tennessee Tech (who does actually sport a 10-0 record) falls on the schedule. From there, two ranked opponents in Vanderbilt and Louisville close out the season. Upsetting one of them will be required to reach bowl eligibility.

Failing to get there would mean three consecutive losing seasons for Stoops. He previously held an eight-year bowl streak, including a pair of 10-win seasons in 2018 and 2021.

Even so, players are stepping up to the plate for their coach. Quarterback Cutter Boley spoke on where Stoops currently stands, admitting they hate the outside noise. From there, it was nothing but praise from Boley.

“Everybody loves Coach Stoops, what he does, and what he stands for, and how he addresses the team in every situation, loss, win, no matter what it is,” Boley said after the Florida win. “He’s always the same guy. Loss, win, whatever it is. He’s always the same guy in the locker room. He’s always the same guy talking to us on Mondays, no matter the outcome. And I think every guy respects that and really wants to play for him.”

Boley and Spurrier might be in lock step here. Either way, whether or not Kentucky does ultimately keep Stoops might turn into something to watch for as the season’s end grows closer. If the answer is yes, Kentucky joins what is already a loaded group of SEC teams looking for a new coach.