Kentucky Finalizes Record-Setting Buyout for Winningest Coach Mark Stoops

🏈 LEXINGTON, KY – The University of Kentucky has formally finalized the separation terms with former head football coach Mark Stoops, navigating one of the largest coaching buyouts in the program’s history. The agreement outlines a structured, multi-year payment plan for the massive severance package, which was triggered by Stoops’ dismissal on December 1st after a 13-year tenure.

The details confirm that the total buyout figure remains a staggering $37.69 million, placing it among the most significant payouts in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and broader college football. Stoops, who departs as Kentucky’s all-time winningest football coach, was originally due 75% of his remaining salary in a lump sum within 60 days, per his 2017 contract amendment. This accelerated payment schedule would have presented a substantial short-term financial challenge for the UK Athletics department.

Restructured Payout Eases Immediate Financial Burden

Instead of the nearly $38 million lump sum, the finalized separation agreement provides a crucial deferral that will soften the immediate fiscal impact on the university. The restructured plan dictates that Stoops will receive an initial, substantial payment of $3,937,500 by the December 16 deadline.

The remainder of the historic UK football buyout will be distributed over the next five-plus years, ending on April 1, 2031. This remaining balance will be paid in quarterly installments, equating to an annual sum of $6.75 million. Crucially for Stoops, the agreement specifies a no-mitigation clause: the quarterly payments will not be reduced or offset by any future coaching or professional earnings he may receive. This fully guaranteed compensation ensures financial security for the former Wildcats leader, regardless of his next career move.

The cooperative nature of the negotiation, which allows the University of Kentucky to spread out the financial obligation, has been noted by analysts as a key factor in moving quickly to find a new head coach for the Wildcats.

Stoops’ Legacy and the Cost of Change

Mark Stoops’ impact on the Kentucky Wildcats program is undeniable. He transformed a struggling team into a perennial bowl contender, guiding them to eight consecutive bowl appearances from 2016 through 2023 and cementing his status as a Lexington legend.

However, the financial penalty for parting ways stems directly from the immense value of the contract extensions secured during his years of success. The decision to fire Stoops came on the heels of two disappointing seasons: a 4–8 campaign followed by a 5–7 finish in his final year, which was punctuated by a demoralizing 41–0 loss to in-state rival Louisville—the largest margin of defeat in the rivalry’s history.

In addition to the financial terms, the separation agreement includes standard mutual non-disparagement clauses and requires Stoops’ cooperation with any future litigation or NCAA inquiries, with the university covering his related expenses.

This separation marks the end of an era for the University of Kentucky and an extremely expensive new beginning as the program looks to its next leader. The cost of pursuing a different trajectory in the competitive SEC demonstrates the staggering financial stakes involved in major college football coaching decisions today.

This video provides an overview of Mark Stoops’ 13 seasons as the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats football team. Mark Stoops Fired: 13 Seasons of Kentucky Football