Mark Stoops ‘being tossed around behind the scenes’ at Virginia Tech

Mark Stoops is getting back to work, but will it be at Kentucky? That’s reportedly no longer a guarantee.

Amber Marie of 247Sports believes the 13-year coach is a contender for the Virginia Tech job, potentially replacing the recently-fired Brent Pry, who held the position since 2021. Stoops was included in a list of eight names to watch in Blacksburg, joining James Franklin, Shane Beamer, Dan Mullen, Manny Diaz, Alex Golesh, Ryan Silverfield, and yes, Jon Sumrall.

“Speaking of Sumrall’s potential interest in Kentucky, an interesting name being tossed around behind the scenes is long-time Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops,” Marie wrote. “A rough start to the 2025 season and only two double-digit win seasons in 12 completed seasons has Kentucky rumored to be considering a change. Stoops possesses a 47.6% win percentage during his tenure.

“Kentucky is not the easiest place to build a program, but Stoops has done that well. They appeared in a bowl game every year from 2016-2023 in a display of notable consistency. He has recruited well, though there is growing concern about a lack of in-state recruits and declining on-field results. Stoops’s tenure at Kentucky has been mired in controversy. From questionable decision-making to a revolving door of offensive coordinators to a public feud with former men’s basketball coach John Calipari, he’s been on the receiving end of a lot of criticism. Even former players are beginning to call for a head coaching change.

“Could Virginia Tech provide the fresh start that Stoops needs?”

With how Kentucky’s season has been trending, it doesn’t seem out of the question — at least in terms of a fresh start elsewhere. Virginia Tech, though? It’s a football-focused school in the ACC, giving him a chance to compete at the top of the conference year in and year out.

Something to monitor.