Mitch Barnhart makes it official that Kentucky is parting ways with Mark Stoops

The news broke last night, and now, it’s official. Mitch Barnhart just announced that Kentucky is parting ways with Mark Stoops after 13 seasons. The announcement comes following a team meeting this morning.

“I have informed Coach Mark Stoops that we have decided to go in a new direction at head coach,” Barnhart wrote in a lengthy statement. “I want to thank Mark for his dedication and leadership over the past 13 years, and as importantly, the friendship that is marked by walking these journeys together. His tenure transformed the program and reset expectations. His time here was filled with memorable victories, a historic run of consecutive bowl appearances, and a commitment to developing young men both on and off the field.

“We move forward committed to build upon the strong foundation that has been laid and to pursue excellence relentlessly.

“We have begun a national search to identify the next leader of Kentucky Football, someone with proven coaching results and a vision for success for Kentucky.”

President Eli Calipilouto also weighed in, standing behind Barnhart’s decision and thanking Stoops for his work over 13 seasons.

“After a review that he conducts every year, Mitch is making a change in the head coaching position of our football team,” Capilouto wrote. “I support his decision and will work with him to make a hire that will achieve the levels of success the Big Blue Nation expects and that we all want.

“I want to thank Coach Stoops for his 13 years of service and leadership at the University of Kentucky. He helped lead the revival of this program and achieved historic results. We are deeply appreciative of what he accomplished with this program and with the support of a committed staff throughout UK Athletics, outstanding young men and an incredible fan base.”

Barnhart: “Kentucky Football is positioned for success. We will continue to make the necessary investments”

Stoops leaves Kentucky as the winningest coach in program history, with an 82-80 overall record (that includes the 10-win 2021 season that was later vacated). He passed Bear Bryant’s mark of 60 wins with a victory over Florida in 2022. Fittingly, Florida was also his final SEC win, which snapped Kentucky’s ugly SEC home losing streak.

There was much more good than bad during Stoops’ tenure, but the results of the last two seasons (9-15, just three SEC wins) were impossible to ignore. According to Chris Low, Stoops agreed to restructure his buyout so that the $37.5 million payment can be spread out over a number of years instead of being due within 60 days.

In his statement, Barnhart said Kentucky will do what it takes to build a championship football program, including financial investments in staff, NIL opportunities, and facilities.

“I am deeply grateful for the great support we get from Big Blue Nation. Their passion and loyalty continue to make Kroger Field one of the best environments in college football.

“Kentucky Football is positioned for success. We will continue to make the necessary investments to recruit an elite head coach, players, and support staff. That includes fully funding revenue-sharing and NIL opportunities, providing state-of-the-art facilities, and ensuring our student-athletes have every resource to thrive.

“Our mission is clear: to build a championship program for the people of Kentucky. We embrace this moment with optimism and determination, confident that the next chapter will see Kentucky Football reach new heights and achieve great success.”

“It is critically important that we are competitive and successful in football,” Capilouto added. “That is our goal. It is our focus. We intend to be successful.”