Mark Stoops separation agreement details are now official

What did it take for Kentucky and Mitch Barnhart to break up with Mark Stoops after 13 years together in Lexington? The money did not change, unfortunately, but the former head coach did create some wiggle room for the school on the 60-day clause in his original contract.

Rather than two months, the Wildcats will have six years to pay out the full $37.7 million, the school officially announced on Monday. They finalized their separation agreement, which included an up-front lump sum of nearly $4 million, followed by quarterly payments through 2031.

A complete look at the divorce details following his tenure, which began in 2012:

Mark Stoops Separation and Release Agreement

Key Terms:

• Stoops’ employment concluded on December 1, 2025.
• The University will provide a severance package totaling $37,687,500, paid over multiple years.

1. Initial lump sum: $3,937,500 within 15 days of separation.
   • Remaining payments distributed quarterly through April 2031.
2. $6,750,000 paid quarterly for the 2026 contract year as follows:
   • July 1, 2026; Oct. 1, 2026; Jan. 1, 2027; April 1, 2027
3. $6,750,000 paid quarterly for the 2027 contract year.
   • July 1, 2027; Oct. 1, 2027; Jan. 1, 2028; April 1, 2028
4. $6,750,000 paid quarterly for the 2028 contract year.
   • July 1, 2028; Oct. 1, 2028; Jan. 1, 2029; April 1, 2029
5. $6,750,000 paid quarterly for the 2029 contract year.
   • July 1, 2029; Oct. 1, 2029; Jan. 1, 2030; April 1, 2030
6. $6,750,000 paid quarterly for the 2030 contract year.
   • July 1, 2030; Oct. 1, 2030; Jan. 1, 2031; April 1, 2031

Payments are not subject to mitigation (i.e., they will not be reduced by future earnings).

Mutual Releases:

• Both parties agreed to broad mutual releases of claims and non-disparagement provisions.
• Stoops will cooperate with the University on NCAA or SEC matters if needed, with expenses covered.

Will Stein Contract Details

Effective Date: December 2, 2025

Term: Approximately five (5) years, through January 31, 2031

• Automatic one-year extension for each CFP appearance (maximum of five seasons remaining)
• Extension years include a $100,000 annual compensation increase

Annual Compensation

• Year 1 (2026 season): $5,500,000
• Year 2 (2027 season): $5,600,000
• Year 3 (2028 season): $5,700,000
• Year 4 (2029 season): $5,800,000
• Year 5 (2030 season): $5,900,000

Staff & Incentives

• Assistant and support staff salary pool set at SEC competitive levels
• Performance incentives up to $2,150,000 annually, including CFP participation, SEC titles, win milestones, Coach of the Year awards, and team GPA bonuses

Guarantee (If University Terminates Without Cause)

If UK terminates without cause: Coach receives a reduced percentage (70%) of remaining salary (paid monthly over remaining term of the agreement)

Buyout (If Coach Terminates Without Cause)

If Coach terminates without cause: Coach pays a reduced percentage (30%) of remaining salary

Benefits

• Standard UK benefits (retirement match on $400K base, health, moving expenses, temporary housing)
• Choice of two vehicles or stipend
• Private jet use during transition through Feb. 1, 2026
• Personal suite for home games
• Tickets to other UK athletic events
• Membership in one private club