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{{Short description|American football player and coach (born 1967)}}
{{for|the American politician in Indiana|Mark Stoops (politician)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}}
{{Infobox college coach
{{Infobox college coach
| name = Mark Stoops
| name = Mark Stoops
| image = Mark Stoops introduced as UK Head Coach.jpeg
| image = Mark Stoops in 2013.jpg
| image_size =
| alt =
| caption = Stoops at [[Kroger Field]] in 2013
| alt =
| current_title = [[Head coach]]
| caption = Stoops at his introduction as the Kentucky head football coach on December 2, 2012.
| sport = [[American football|Football]]
| current_team = [[Kentucky Wildcats football|Kentucky]]
| current_title = [[Head coach]]
| current_team = [[Kentucky Wildcats football|Kentucky]]
| current_conference = [[Southeastern Conference|SEC]]
| current_conference = [[Southeastern Conference|SEC]]
| current_record = 2-6
| current_record = 67–73
| contract = $6.75 million<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hale |first=John |date=December 20, 2021 |title=Salary, incentives, buyout: What to know about Mark Stoops' new Kentucky football contract |url=https://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/college/kentucky/2021/12/20/mark-stoops-contract-kentucky-football-coach-among-highest-paid/6491823001/ |access-date=January 4, 2022 |website=Louisville Courier Journal}}</ref>
| contract =
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1967|7|9|mf=y}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1967|7|9|}}
| birth_place = [[Youngstown, Ohio]]
| birth_place = [[Youngstown, Ohio]], U.S.
| death_date =
| death_date =
| death_place =
| death_place =
| alma_mater =
| alma_mater =
| player_years = 1986–1988
| player_years1 = 1986–1988
| player_teams = [[Iowa Hawkeyes football|Iowa]]
| player_team1 = [[Iowa Hawkeyes football|Iowa]]
| player_positions = [[Defensive back]]
| player_positions = [[Defensive back]]
| coach_years1 = 1990–1991
| coach_years = 1989–1991<br />1992–1995<br />1996<br />1997–1999<br />2000<br />2001–2003<br />2004–2009<br />2010–2012<br />2013–
| coach_team1 = [[Iowa Hawkeyes football|Iowa]] ([[Graduate assistant|GA]])
| coach_teams = [[Iowa Hawkeyes football|Iowa]] ([[Graduate assistant|GA]])<br />[[Nordonia High School|Nordonia HS (OH)]] ([[Defensive backs coach|DB]])<br />[[South Florida Bulls football|South Florida]] (DB)<br />[[Wyoming Cowboys|Wyoming]] (DB)<br />[[Houston Cougars football|Houston]] (co-[[defensive coordinator|DC]]/[[Safeties coach|SAF]])<br />[[Miami Hurricanes football|Miami (FL)]] (DB)<br />[[Arizona Wildcats football|Arizona]] (DC/DB)<br />[[Florida State Seminoles football|Florida State]] (DC/DB)<br />[[Kentucky Wildcats football|Kentucky]]
| coach_years2 = 1992–1995
| overall_record = 2–6
| coach_team2 = [[Nordonia High School|Nordonia HS (OH)]] (AD/DB)
| bowl_record =
| coach_years3 = 1996
| tournament_record =
| coach_team3 = [[South Florida Bulls football|South Florida]] (DB)
| CFbDWID =
| coach_years4 = 1997–1999
| championships =
| coach_team4 = [[Wyoming Cowboys football|Wyoming]] (DB)
| awards =
| coach_years5 = 2000
| coaching_records =
| coach_team5 = [[Houston Cougars football|Houston]] (co-[[defensive coordinator|DC]]/S)
| coach_years6 = 2001–2003
| coach_team6 = [[Miami Hurricanes football|Miami (FL)]] (DB)
| coach_years7 = 2004–2009
| coach_team7 = [[Arizona Wildcats football|Arizona]] (DC/DB)
| coach_years8 = 2010–2012
| coach_team8 = [[Florida State Seminoles football|Florida State]] (DC/DB)
| coach_years9 = 2013–present
| coach_team9 = [[Kentucky Wildcats football|Kentucky]]
| HeadCoachYear = 12th <!-- 2013 - 2024 -->
| HCWins = 67 <!-- As of games through 11/23/24 -->
| HCLosses = 73 <!-- As of games through 11/23/24 -->
| overall_record = 67-72 ({{winpct|67|73|0}})
| bowl_record = 4–4 ({{winpct|4|4|0}})
| tournament_record =
| championships =
| awards = [[Southeastern Conference football individual awards|SEC Coach of the Year]] (2018)
| coaching_records =
}}
}}
'''Mark Stoops''' (born July 9, 1967) is an American [[college football]] coach and former player. He is currently the head football coach at the [[Kentucky Wildcats football|University of Kentucky]], a position he assumed in November 2012. Stoops previously served as [[defensive coordinator]] at the [[Arizona Wildcats football|University of Arizona]] from 2004 to 2009, and [[Florida State Seminoles football|Florida State University]] from 2010 to 2012.
'''Mark Thomas Stoops''' (born July 9, 1967) is an American [[college football]] coach and former player. He is the head football coach for the [[University of Kentucky]], a position he has held since 2013. Stoops is the all-time winningest head coach in the history of the [[Kentucky Wildcats football]] program. He is also the longest-tenured current SEC football coach.


==Early life==
==Early life==
Stoops, one of six children born to Ron and Evelyn "Dee Dee" Stoops, attended [[Cardinal Mooney High School (Youngstown, Ohio)|Cardinal Mooney High School]] in [[Youngstown, Ohio]], where his father was an assistant coach and defensive coordinator.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2004/08/29/sports/college-football-preview-2004-a-family-of-coaches-has-followed-its-leader.html |title=A Family of Coaches Has Followed Its Leader |last=Thamel |first=Pete |date=August 29, 2004 |work=[[The New York Times]] |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20110123203344/http://www.nytimes.com/2004/08/29/sports/college-football-preview-2004-a-family-of-coaches-has-followed-its-leader.html |archivedate=January 23, 2011 |accessdate=November 27, 2012 |location=Manhattan, New York}}</ref><ref name=TrotterJ-TO-2008-08-19>Trotter, Jake. - "Stoops@10: Growing Up Youngstown - A symbol of Youngstown - Blue-collar roots, values define Stoops". - ''[[The Oklahoman]]''. - August 19, 2008.</ref> He is a brother of [[Oklahoma Sooners football|Oklahoma]] head coach [[Bob Stoops]] and former [[Arizona Wildcats football|Arizona]] head coach [[Mike Stoops]], currently the defensive coordinator at Oklahoma.
Stoops, one of six children born to Ron and Evelyn "Dee Dee" Stoops, attended [[Cardinal Mooney High School (Youngstown, Ohio)|Cardinal Mooney High School]] in [[Youngstown, Ohio]], where his father was an assistant coach and defensive coordinator.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/08/29/sports/college-football-preview-2004-a-family-of-coaches-has-followed-its-leader.html |title=A Family of Coaches Has Followed Its Leader |last=Thamel |first=Pete |author-link=Pete Thamel |date=August 29, 2004 |work=[[The New York Times]] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110123203344/http://www.nytimes.com/2004/08/29/sports/college-football-preview-2004-a-family-of-coaches-has-followed-its-leader.html |archivedate=January 23, 2011 |accessdate=November 27, 2012 |location=Manhattan, New York}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Trotter |first=Jake |author-link=Jake Trotter |date=August 19, 2008 |title=A symbol of Youngstown: Blue-collar roots, values define Stoops |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/sports/college/sooners/2008/08/19/a-symbol-of-youngstown-blue-collar-roots-values-define-stoops/61552787007/ |access-date=July 18, 2023 |website=The Oklahoman |language=en-US}}</ref> He is the brother of former [[Oklahoma Sooners football|Oklahoma]] head coach [[Bob Stoops]] and former [[Arizona Wildcats football|Arizona]] head coach [[Mike Stoops]].


After high school, Stoops played [[college football]] for the [[Iowa Hawkeyes football|Iowa Hawkeyes]] from 1986 to 1988.<ref>[http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/big10/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2007bigtenfbguide.pdf|title=2007 Big Ten Media Guide'']. - p.93. - (*.PDF [[Adobe Acrobat]] document)</ref>
After graduating from high school, Stoops played [[college football]] for the [[Iowa Hawkeyes football|Iowa Hawkeyes]] from [[1986 Iowa Hawkeyes football team|1986]] to [[1988 Iowa Hawkeyes football team|1988]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Boulton |first=Ginny |date=December 30, 2022 |title=Mark Stoops discusses 'honor' of playing alma mater Iowa in Music City Bowl |url=https://saturdaytradition.com/iowa-football/mark-stoops-discusses-honor-of-playing-alma-mater-iowa-in-music-city-bowl/ |access-date=July 18, 2023 |website=Saturday Tradition |language=en-US}}</ref>


==Coaching career==
==Coaching career==
Stoops was a [[graduate assistant]] coach at [[Iowa Hawkeyes football|Iowa]] from 1989 to 1991, and then became the [[athletic director]] and [[defensive backs coach]] at [[Nordonia High School]] in [[Macedonia, Ohio]] (1992–1995).<ref name=CoteyJC-SPT-1996-01-24>Cotey, John C. - "USF hires its fourth assistant". - ''[[St. Petersburg Times]]''. - January 24, 1996.</ref><ref name=DurrenbergerC-ADS-2004-01-24>Durrenberger, Charles. - "New Influences". - ''[[Arizona Daily Star]]''. - April 17, 2004.</ref>
Stoops was a [[graduate assistant]] coach at [[Iowa Hawkeyes football|Iowa]] from 1989 to 1991.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Taylor |first=Keith |date=December 7, 2021 |title=Stoops has 'nothing but fond memories from the Hawkeye experience' |url=https://www.murrayledger.com/sports/state_ap/stoops-has-nothing-but-fond-memories-from-the-hawkeye-experience/article_cb7b7e4e-570b-11ec-828b-57fdc52bc683.html |access-date=July 18, 2023 |website=Murray Ledger and Times |language=en}}</ref> He later became the [[athletic director]] and [[defensive backs coach]] at [[Nordonia High School]] in [[Macedonia, Ohio]] (1992–1995).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carlson |first=Jenni |date=December 16, 2001 |title=Mark Stoops has chance to match brothers' feat |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2001/12/16/the-miami-connection-mark-stoops-has-chance-to-match-brothers-feat/62115303007/ |access-date=July 18, 2023 |website=The Oklahoman |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Clay |first=John |date=September 16, 2022 |title='Very unique place.' Mark Stoops left Youngstown, but Youngstown didn't leave Mark Stoops. |url=https://www.kentucky.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/john-clay/article265768066.html |access-date=July 17, 2023 |website=Kentucky.com}}</ref>


In 1996, Stoops was the defensive backs coach for South Florida.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hale |first=Jon |date=November 22, 2021 |title=With his name tied to Florida and LSU football, Mark Stoops insists he's 'committed' to UK |url=https://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/college/kentucky/2021/11/22/florida-football-coach-search-mark-stoops-says-hes-committed-uk/8623302002/ |access-date=July 18, 2023 |website=The Courier-Journal |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Scarborough |first1=Alex |last2=McGee |first2=Ryan |date=October 14, 2021 |title=How Mark Stoops brought winning -- and fun -- back to Kentucky football |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/32395243/mark-stoops-brought-winning-fun-back-kentucky-football |access-date=July 18, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref>
In 1996, when [[Kansas State Wildcats football|Kansas State]] assistant [[Jim Leavitt]] was hired as the head coach for the [[South Florida Bulls football|South Florida Bulls]], he hired Stoops as defensive backs coach.<ref name=CoteyJC-SPT-1996-01-24 /><ref>Lutz, Bob. - Starting Team from Scratch Doesn't Faze Cats' Leavitt". - ''[[The Wichita Eagle]]''. - December 29, 1995.</ref>


He served as the defensive backs coach for the [[University of Wyoming]] [[Wyoming Cowboys|Cowboys]] from 1997–1999.<ref name=GagliardiR-WTE-1998-09-26>Gagliardi, Robert. - "Football A Family Affair for Coaches". - ''[[Wyoming Tribune Eagle]]''. - September 26, 1998.</ref>
Stoops served as the defensive backs coach for the [[University of Wyoming]] [[Wyoming Cowboys|Cowboys]] from 1997 to 1999.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 21, 1999 |title=Mark Stoops |url=https://gowyo.com/news/2016/6/29/5773f050e4b0bdd131abf890_131478125263041450 |access-date=July 18, 2023 |website=University of Wyoming Athletics |language=en}}</ref>


At Wyoming he served under head coach [[Dana Dimel]]. When Dimel was hired at the [[University of Houston]], he took Stoops with him to join the [[Houston Cougars football|Cougars]] as co-[[defensive coordinator]] (along with Dick Bumpas) and safeties coach in 2000.<ref>"Houston Cougars". - ''[[San Antonio Express-News]]''. - August 20, 2000.</ref>
At Wyoming, Stoops served under head coach [[Dana Dimel]]. When Dimel was hired at the [[University of Houston]], he took Stoops with him to join the [[Houston Cougars football|Cougars]] as co-[[defensive coordinator]] (along with Dick Bumpas) and safeties coach in 2000.<ref>"Houston Cougars". – ''[[San Antonio Express-News]]''. – August 20, 2000.</ref>


===Miami (FL)===
In February 2001 he was named the [[defensive backs coach]] for the [[University of Miami]] [[Miami Hurricanes football|Hurricanes]], replacing [[Chuck Pagano]], who left to go to the [[Cleveland Browns]].<ref>Degan, Susan Miller. - "Canes Choose DB Coach". - ''[[Miami Herald]]''. - February 28, 2001.</ref>
In February 2001, Stoops was named the [[defensive backs coach]] for the [[University of Miami]] [[Miami Hurricanes football|Hurricanes]], replacing [[Chuck Pagano]], who left to go to the [[Cleveland Browns]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 5, 2001 |title=Mark Stoops Hired As Defensive Backs Coach |url=https://miamihurricanes.com/news/2001/03/05/205544700-2/ |access-date=July 18, 2023 |website=University of Miami Athletics |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Clark |first=Matthew |date=July 22, 2019 |title=Florida football: How the 2019 opposing coaches have fared against the Gators |url=https://hailfloridahail.com/2019/07/22/florida-football-how-the-2019-opposing-coaches-have-fared-against-the-gators/4/ |access-date=July 18, 2023 |website=Hail Florida Hail |language=en-US}}</ref>


===Arizona===
Mark's brother [[Mike Stoops|Mike]] was hired as the head coach of the Arizona Wildcats for the 2004 season. Mike then hired Mark as part of his staff.<ref name=MoredichJ-TC-2003-12-01>Moredich, John. - "Mark Stoops joins UA as defensive coordinator". - ''[[Tucson Citizen]]''. - December 1, 2003.</ref>
Mark's brother, [[Mike Stoops|Mike]], was hired as the head coach of the [[Arizona Wildcats football|Arizona Wildcats]] for the 2004 season. Mike later hired Mark as part of his staff.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rubenstein |first=Alan |date=December 28, 2009 |title=Stoops Prepares To Coach Last Game at Arizona |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/315568-stoops-prepares-to-coach-last-game-at-arizona |access-date=July 18, 2023 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=Josh |date=March 2, 2020 |title=Mark Stoops' brother Mike won't be joining the Kentucky football staff |url=https://www.kentucky.com/sports/college/kentucky-sports/uk-football/article240435796.html |access-date=July 17, 2023 |website=Kentucky.com}}</ref>


===Florida State===
On December 11, 2009, Stoops accepted the job as defensive coordinator at Florida State University.<ref>[http://espn.go.com/blog/acc/post/_/id/7819/fsu-hires-stoops ESPN.com FSU Hires Stoops]</ref>
On December 11, 2009, Stoops accepted the job as defensive coordinator at Florida State University.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 11, 2009 |title=FSU hires Mark Stoops |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/acc/post/_/id/7819/fsu-hires-stoops |access-date=July 18, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref>


While at Florida State, Stoops played against his brother [[Oklahoma Sooners football|Oklahoma]] head coach [[Bob Stoops]] in 2011. <ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Hayes, M.)) | journal=Sporting News | title=College football has a new first family | volume=234 | issue=19/20 | pages=67–67 | publisher=American City Business Journal | date=30 August 2010 | url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=shib&db=s3h&AN=53275011&authtype=sso&custid=s8441008&site=ehost-live&scope=site | issn=0038805X | access-date=6 December 2024}}</ref>
On November 27, 2012, Stoops was hired as the new head coach of the University of Kentucky football program, replacing former head coach [[Joker Phillips]] who was fired after a 2–10 season.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kentucky.com/2012/11/27/2422886/kentucky-expected-to-name-mark.html |title=Kentucky hires Mark Stoops as new football coach |last=Smith |first=Jennifer |date=November 27, 2012 |work=[[Lexington Herald-Leader]] |accessdate=November 27, 2012 |location=Lexington, Kentucky}}</ref>

===Kentucky===
On November 27, 2012, Stoops was hired as the new head coach of the University of Kentucky football program, replacing former head coach [[Joker Phillips]], who was fired after a 2–10 season.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 5, 2012 |title=Kentucky Fires Football Coach Phillips |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/05/sports/ncaafootball/kentucky-fires-football-coach-joker-phillips.html |access-date=July 5, 2023 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US |agency=Associated Press}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |date=November 27, 2012 |title=Kentucky hires FSU assistant Mark Stoops as coach |url=https://www.si.com/college/2012/11/27/kentucky-mark-stoops-ap |access-date=July 5, 2023 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en-us}}</ref> In Stoops' first season as the Kentucky Head coach, he went 2–10, followed by back to back 5–7 seasons.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2013 Kentucky Wildcats Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/kentucky/2013-schedule.html |access-date=July 5, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2014 Kentucky Wildcats Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/kentucky/2014-schedule.html |access-date=July 5, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2015 Kentucky Wildcats Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/kentucky/2015-schedule.html |access-date=July 5, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

In 2014, Stoops signed a contract extension that would last until 2019. <ref>{{cite journal | journal=NCAA News | title=Kentucky extends head coach Mark Stoops’ contract through 2019 | pages=1–1 | publisher=National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) | date=31 October 2014 | issn=00276170}}</ref>

After an 0–2 start to the [[2016 Kentucky Wildcats football team|2016 season]], Stoops led the Wildcats to a 7–6 finish after that start and defeated their in-state rival, the eleventh-ranked [[2016 Louisville Cardinals football team|Louisville Cardinals]] 41–38.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 26, 2016 |title=Kentucky upsets No. 11 Louisville 41-38 after Lamar Jackson fumble |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2016/11/26/kentucky-beats-no-11-louisville-41-38-after-jackson-fumble/94479600/ |access-date=July 18, 2023 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US |agency=Associated Press}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2016 Kentucky Wildcats Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/kentucky/2016-schedule.html |access-date=July 5, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Kentucky lost in the [[2016 TaxSlayer Bowl (December)|TaxSlayer Bowl]] to [[2016 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football team|Georgia Tech]] 33–18.<ref>{{Cite web |title=TaxSlayer Bowl - Georgia Tech vs Kentucky Box Score, December 31, 2016 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2016-12-31-kentucky.html |access-date=July 18, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

The 2017 season featured ups and downs and the breakout of star running back [[Benny Snell]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bratton |first=Michael Wayne |date=April 13, 2017 |title=Kentucky's breakout RB Benny Snell taking his game to another level this spring |url=https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/kentucky-football/kentuckys-breakout-rb-benny-snell-taking-game-another-level-spring/ |access-date=July 18, 2023 |website=Saturday Down South |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Chisenhall |first=Jeremy |date=December 4, 2017 |title=Benny Snell, Josh Allen make AP All-SEC teams |url=https://www.aseaofblue.com/2017/12/4/16735380/kentucky-football-benny-snell-josh-allen-ap-all-sec-teams |access-date=July 18, 2023 |website=A Sea Of Blue |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Taylor |first=Keith |date=September 15, 2017 |title=Stoops, Wildcats embrace expected challenge at South Carolina in SEC opener |url=https://nkytribune.com/2017/09/stoops-wildcats-embrace-expected-challenge-at-south-carolina-in-sec-opener/ |access-date=July 18, 2023 |website=NKyTribune |language=en-US}}</ref> On October 28, Stoops led Kentucky to a 29–26 defeat of [[2017 Tennessee Volunteers football team|Tennessee]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tennessee at Kentucky Box Score, October 28, 2017 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2017-10-28-kentucky.html |access-date=July 18, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The victory over the Volunteers marked the first for Kentucky since 2011 and only the second time since 1984.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Football History vs University of Kentucky |url=https://utsports.com/sports/football/opponent-history/university-of-kentucky/32 |access-date=July 18, 2023 |website=University of Tennessee Athletics |language=en}}</ref> The team finished with a 7–5 record in the regular season, losing afterwards in the [[2017 Music City Bowl|Music City Bowl]] to [[2017 Northwestern Wildcats football team|Northwestern]] 24–23.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Music City Bowl - Kentucky vs Northwestern Box Score, December 29, 2017 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2017-12-29-northwestern.html |access-date=July 18, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2017 Kentucky Wildcats Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/kentucky/2017-schedule.html |access-date=July 5, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

The 2018 season was a historic one for the Wildcats. Paced by Snell on offense and [[Josh Hines-Allen|Josh Allen]] on defense, they snapped a 31-year losing streak to [[2018 Florida Gators football team|Florida]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 8, 2018|agency=Associated Press |title=The streak is over: Gators lose to Kentucky for the first time in 32 years |url=https://www.jacksonville.com/story/sports/college/uf-gators/2018/09/09/streak-is-over-gators-lose-to-kentucky-for-first-time-in-32-years/10807297007/ |access-date=July 18, 2023 |website=The Florida Times-Union |language=en-US}}</ref> finishing 9-3–only the fourth time in school history that the Wildcats have won at least nine games.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2018 Kentucky Wildcats Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/kentucky/2018-schedule.html |access-date=July 5, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Kentucky Wildcats College Football History, Stats, Records |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/kentucky/index.html |access-date=July 5, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Kentucky defeated [[2018 Penn State Nittany Lions football team|Penn State]] in the [[2019 Citrus Bowl|Citrus Bowl]] on January 1, 2019, giving the Wildcats their first 10-win season since 1977, and only their third in school history.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Citrus Bowl - Kentucky vs Penn State Box Score, January 1, 2019 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2019-01-01-penn-state.html |access-date=July 18, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Kentucky Wildcats College Football History, Stats, Records |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/kentucky/index.html |access-date=July 18, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Stoops was named SEC Coach of the Year, the first time a Kentucky coach had won the award since Jerry Claiborne in 1983.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SEC Coach of the Year Winners |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/sec-coy.html |access-date=July 5, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

The 2019 season was one of overcoming adversity. After a 2–3 start in which they lost all of their quarterbacks to injury,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Marcum |first=Jason |date=August 17, 2019 |title=Nik Scalzo suffers injury in practice |url=https://www.aseaofblue.com/2019/8/17/20810145/kentucky-football-nik-scalzo-knee-injury-netflix-qb1-uk-recruiting |access-date=July 18, 2023 |website=A Sea Of Blue |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Boone |first=Kyle |date=September 8, 2019 |title=Kentucky starting quarterback Terry Wilson out for season after suffering knee injury |url=https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/kentucky-starting-quarterback-terry-wilson-out-for-season-after-suffering-knee-injury/ |access-date=July 18, 2023 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hale |first=John |date=October 11, 2019 |title=What Kentucky football does with quarterbacks vs. Arkansas could sway season |url=https://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/college/kentucky/2019/10/11/kentucky-football-quarterback-plan-mystery-vs-arkansas/3896400002/ |access-date=July 18, 2023 |website=The Courier-Journal |language=en-US}}</ref> Kentucky turned to wide receiver Lynn Bowden Jr. to take over at quarterback.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Story |first=Mark |date=October 13, 2019 |title=Its season on the brink, UK turns back to its secret weapon. Lynn Bowden made it work |url=https://www.kentucky.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/mark-story/article236051848.html |access-date=July 17, 2023 |website=Kentucky.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hale |first=Jon |date=October 13, 2019 |title=On Jared Lorenzen night, Lynn Bowden posts own unforgettable quarterback performance |url=https://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/college/kentucky/2019/10/13/kentucky-football-lynn-bowden-qb-carries-cats-win-over-arkansas/3896427002/ |access-date=July 18, 2023 |website=The Courier-Journal |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Cox |first=Joe |date=November 20, 2019 |title=Kentucky football: How Lynn Bowden has reinvented himself into a Lexington legend |url=https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/kentucky-football/kentucky-football-how-lynn-bowden-has-reinvented-himself-into-a-legend/ |access-date=July 18, 2023 |website=Saturday Down South |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Tucker |first=Kyle |date=November 30, 2019 |title=Kentucky transformed Lynn Bowden, then Lynn Bowden transformed Kentucky |url=https://theathletic.com/1422076/2019/11/30/kentucky-transformed-lynn-bowden-then-lynn-bowden-transformed-kentucky/ |access-date=July 18, 2023 |website=The Athletic |language=en}}</ref> With a revamped offense focused on the running game, the Wildcats finished the regular season with a 7–5 record routing [[2019 Louisville Cardinals football team|Louisville]] 45–13 on Senior Day.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Louisville at Kentucky Box Score, November 30, 2019 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2019-11-30-kentucky.html |access-date=July 18, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2019 Kentucky Wildcats Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/kentucky/2019-schedule.html |access-date=July 5, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Kentucky capped the season with a thrilling win over [[2019 Virginia Tech Hokies football team|Virginia Tech]] in the [[2019 Belk Bowl|Belk Bowl]], as the Wildcats scored the winning touchdown with 15 seconds remaining for an 8–5 finish.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Belk Bowl - Virginia Tech vs Kentucky Box Score, December 31, 2019 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2019-12-31-kentucky.html |access-date=July 18, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

The 2020 season, affected by the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], saw Kentucky play a [[Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on gridiron football|10-game, All-SEC regular-season schedule]]. The high point was a 34–7 win at [[2020 Tennessee Volunteers football team|Tennessee]] their first win in Knoxville since 1984.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cobb |first=David |date=October 17, 2020 |title=Kentucky wins at Tennessee for first time since 1984, throttling Volunteers with stifling defense |url=https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/kentucky-wins-at-tennessee-for-first-time-since-1984-throttling-volunteers-with-stifling-defense/ |access-date=July 18, 2023 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}}</ref> Despite a 4–6 record, Kentucky was still invited to a bowl game, specifically the [[2021 Gator Bowl (January)|2021 Gator Bowl]] against No. 24 [[2020 NC State Wolfpack football team|NC State]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2020 Kentucky Wildcats Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/kentucky/2020-schedule.html |access-date=July 5, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Stoops led Kentucky to victory in the Gator Bowl 23–21, making it three straight bowl victories for the team.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gator Bowl - North Carolina State vs Kentucky Box Score, January 2, 2021 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2021-01-02-kentucky.html |access-date=July 18, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

The 2021 season was marked by key transfer arrivals for both sides of the ball: quarterback [[Will Levis]] and wide receiver [[Wan'Dale Robinson]] on offense and linebacker Jacquez Jones on defense. The aforementioned players' impact was significant; the offense scored 33.3 points per game while the defense allowed 22.1 points per game. The improved play from both offense and defense led to a 9–3 regular-season record, including a 20–13 home win against [[2021 Florida Gators football team|Florida]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2021 Kentucky Wildcats Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/kentucky/2021-schedule.html |access-date=July 5, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Stoops lead Kentucky to a 20–17 victory over [[2021 Iowa Hawkeyes football team|Iowa]] in the [[2022 Citrus Bowl]], giving the team its second 10–3 record since 2018, second Citrus Bowl victory in four years and fourth straight bowl victory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Citrus Bowl - Iowa vs Kentucky Box Score, January 1, 2022 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2022-01-01-kentucky.html |access-date=July 18, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The fourth consecutive bowl victory for Kentucky marked the longest streak in school history.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 1, 2022|agency=Associated Press |title='Time to shine': Game MVP Wan'Dale Robinson leads Kentucky to 20-17 Citrus Bowl win |url=https://www.whas11.com/article/sports/ncaa/ncaab/university-of-kentucky/kentucky-win-citrus-bowl-beat-iowa-uk-4th-straight-bowl-win-school-history-camping-world-stadium-tadium-orlando/417-7bf7249d-ef7d-43e5-901f-8ef221f5bea2 |access-date=July 18, 2023 |website=whas11.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

The 2022 season marked Stoops' 10th season as head coach, becoming the football program's longest-tenured head coach in its history. Kentucky's Week 1 37–13 victory over [[2022 Miami RedHawks football team|Miami (OH)]] gave Stoops his 60th victory as head coach, tying [[Bear Bryant]] for the most in program history.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=September 4, 2022 |title=Mark Stoops Ties Bear Bryant's Record With 60th Win as Kentucky Head Coach |url=https://www.si.com/college/kentucky/football/mark-stoops-ties-bear-bryants-record-with-60th-win-kentucky-head-coach |access-date=July 18, 2023 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en}}</ref> He became Kentucky's all-time winningest football coach after beating the [[2022 Florida Gators football team|Florida Gators]] on the road 26–16 in Week 2. Kentucky struggled through the season, finishing with a 7–5 record.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2022 Kentucky Wildcats Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/kentucky/2022-schedule.html |access-date=July 5, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Kentucky was invited to the [[2022 Music City Bowl|Music City Bowl]], playing against [[2022 Iowa Hawkeyes football team|Iowa]] for the second consecutive year. With starting quarterback Levis sitting out of the bowl game,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hughes |first=Chris |date=December 7, 2022 |title=Levis and Rodriguez will sit out Music City Bowl |url=https://spectrumnews1.com/ky/louisville/news/2022/12/07/will-levis-will-sit-out-music-city-bowl |access-date=July 18, 2023 |website=spectrumnews1.com |language=en}}</ref> Kentucky was shut out by Iowa 21–0.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Music City Bowl - Iowa vs Kentucky Box Score, December 31, 2022 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2022-12-31-kentucky.html |access-date=July 18, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The shutout loss ended Kentucky's streak of bowl victories at four.

Stoops signed a contract extension on November 18, 2022, that will keep him in Lexington through the 2030 season.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Shelton |first=Hunter |date=November 20, 2022 |title=Mark Stoops Signs Contract Extension Through 2030 Season |url=https://www.si.com/college/kentucky/football/mark-stoops-signs-contract-extension-through-2030-season |access-date=July 5, 2023 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en}}</ref>

In the 2023 season, Stoops led Kentucky to a 7–6 season, this season's star was transfer running back Ray Davis who totaled up 1452 all-purpose yards and 21 total touchdowns<ref>{{Citation | title=Re’Mahn Davis College Gamelog | url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/remahn-davis-1/gamelog/2023 | access-date=6 December 2024}}</ref> for the Wildcats, however this season ended in a 38–35 loss to Clemson in the Gator Bowl.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2023 Kentucky Wildcats Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/kentucky/2023-schedule.html |access-date=2024-05-14 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Gator Bowl - Clemson vs Kentucky Box Score, December 29, 2023 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2023-12-29-clemson.html |access-date=2024-05-14 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

In the 2024 season, Stoops led Kentucky to a 4-8 season, ending in a 41-14 loss to Louisville in the Governors Cup.
<ref>{{Citation | title=Kentucky Wildcats 2024 Regular Season NCAAF Schedule | url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/team/schedule/_/id/96/season/2024 | access-date=6 December 2024}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Stoops is the younger brother of former [[Oklahoma Sooners football|Oklahoma]] head coach [[Bob Stoops]], former [[Arizona Wildcats football|Arizona]] head coach and current [[Kentucky Wildcats football|Kentucky]] assistant [[Mike Stoops]], and Ron Jr., the oldest of the brothers, who was an assistant coach at [[Youngstown State Penguins football|Youngstown State]]. Stoops and his wife Chantel have two sons, Will and Zach.<ref name="HL20130221">{{cite news |last1=Patton |first1=Janet |title=UK football coach Mark Stoops buys Beaumont house for $1.45 million|url=https://www.kentucky.com/news/business/article44405040.html |accessdate=November 28, 2018 |publisher=Lexington Herald-Leader |date=February 21, 2013 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20181128173925/https://www.kentucky.com/news/business/article44405040.html |archivedate=November 28, 2018}}</ref> On January 4, 2021, the couple announced that they will be divorcing.<ref name="StoopsDiv20210104">{{cite news |last1=Moore |first1=Josh |title=University of Kentucky football coach Mark Stoops and wife Chantel divorcing |url=https://www.kentucky.com/sports/college/kentucky-sports/uk-football/article248263455.html |access-date=January 5, 2021 |publisher=[[Lexington Herald-Leader]] |date=January 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210105070154/https://www.kentucky.com/sports/college/kentucky-sports/uk-football/article248263455.html |archive-date=January 5, 2021}}</ref>


==Head coaching record==
==Head coaching record==
{{CFB Yearly Record Start | type = coach | team = | conf = | bowl = | poll = both}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Start | type = coach | team = | conf = | bowl = | poll = both }}
{{CFB Yearly Record Subhead
{{CFB Yearly Record Subhead
| name = [[Kentucky Wildcats football|Kentucky Wildcats]]
| name = [[Kentucky Wildcats football|Kentucky Wildcats]]
Line 62: Line 113:
}}
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship =
| year = [[2013 NCAA Division I FBS football season|2013]]
| year = [[2013 NCAA Division I FBS football season|2013]]
| name = [[Kentucky Wildcats football|Kentucky]]
| name = [[2013 Kentucky Wildcats football team|Kentucky]]
| overall = 2–6
| overall = 2–10
| conference = 0–4
| conference = 0–8
| confstanding = <small> (East) <small>
| confstanding = 7th <small> (Eastern) </small>
| ranking =
| ranking2 =
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| year = [[2014 NCAA Division I FBS football season|2014]]
| name = [[2014 Kentucky Wildcats football team|Kentucky]]
| overall = 5–7
| conference = 2–6
| confstanding = 6th <small> (Eastern) </small>
| ranking =
| ranking2 =
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| year = [[2015 NCAA Division I FBS football season|2015]]
| name = [[2015 Kentucky Wildcats football team|Kentucky]]
| overall = 5–7
| conference = 2–6
| confstanding = T–4th <small> (Eastern) </small>
| ranking =
| ranking2 =
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| year = [[2016 NCAA Division I FBS football season|2016]]
| name = [[2016 Kentucky Wildcats football team|Kentucky]]
| overall = 7–6
| conference = 4–4
| confstanding = T–2nd <small> (Eastern) </small>
| bowlname = [[2016 TaxSlayer Bowl (December)|TaxSlayer]]
| bowloutcome = L
| ranking =
| ranking2 =
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| year = [[2017 NCAA Division I FBS football season|2017]]
| name = [[2017 Kentucky Wildcats football team|Kentucky]]
| overall = 7–6
| conference = 4–4
| confstanding = T–3rd <small> (Eastern) </small>
| bowlname = [[2017 Music City Bowl|Music City]]
| bowloutcome = L
| ranking =
| ranking2 =
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| year = [[2018 NCAA Division I FBS football season|2018]]
| name = [[2018 Kentucky Wildcats football team|Kentucky]]
| overall = 10–3
| conference = 5–3
| confstanding = T–2nd <small> (Eastern) </small>
| bowlname = [[2019 Citrus Bowl|Citrus]]
| bowloutcome = W
| ranking = 11
| ranking2 = 12
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| year = [[2019 NCAA Division I FBS football season|2019]]
| name = [[2019 Kentucky Wildcats football team|Kentucky]]
| overall = 8–5
| conference = 3–5
| confstanding = T–4th <small> (Eastern) </small>
| bowlname = [[2019 Belk Bowl|Belk]]
| bowloutcome = W
| ranking =
| ranking2 =
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| year = [[2020 NCAA Division I FBS football season|2020]]
| name = [[2020 Kentucky Wildcats football team|Kentucky]]
| overall = 5–6
| conference = 4–6
| confstanding = 4th <small>(Eastern)</small>
| bowlname = [[2021 Gator Bowl (January)|Gator]]
| bowloutcome = W
| ranking =
| ranking2 =
}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| year = [[2021 NCAA Division I FBS football season|2021]]
| name = [[2021 Kentucky Wildcats football team|Kentucky]]
| overall = 0–3 <ref>{{Cite web |date=Aug 2, 2024 |title=Kentucky will vacate wins as NCAA investigation finds football players received 'impermissible benefits' |url=https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/kentucky-will-vacate-wins-as-ncaa-investigation-finds-football-players-received-impermissible-benefits/ |access-date=October 23, 2024 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}}</ref>
| conference = 0–3
| confstanding = 2nd <small>(Eastern)</small>
| bowlname = [[2022 Citrus Bowl|Citrus]]
| bowloutcome = W
| ranking = 15
| ranking2 = 18
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| year = [[2022 NCAA Division I FBS football season|2022]]
| name = [[2022 Kentucky Wildcats football team|Kentucky]]
| overall = 7–6
| conference = 3–5
| confstanding = T–4th <small>(Eastern)</small>
| bowlname = [[2022 Music City Bowl|Music City]]
| bowloutcome = L
| ranking =
| ranking2 =
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| year = [[2023 NCAA Division I FBS football season|2023]]
| name = [[2023 Kentucky Wildcats football team|Kentucky]]
| overall = 7–6
| conference = 3–5
| confstanding = T–4th <small>(Eastern)</small>
| bowlname = [[2023 Gator Bowl|Gator]]
| bowloutcome = L
| ranking =
| ranking2 =
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| year = [[2024 NCAA Division I FBS football season|2024]]
| name = [[2024 Kentucky Wildcats football team|Kentucky]]
| overall = 4–8
| conference = 1–7
| confstanding = 15th
| bowlname =
| bowlname =
| bowloutcome =
| bowloutcome =
| ranking =
| ranking =
| ranking2 =
| ranking2 =
Line 75: Line 241:
{{CFB Yearly Record Subtotal
{{CFB Yearly Record Subtotal
| name = Kentucky
| name = Kentucky
| overall = 2–6
| overall = 67–73
| confrecord = 0–4
| confrecord = 28–62
}}
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record End
{{CFB Yearly Record End
| overall = 2-6
| overall = 67–73
| HCWins = 67 <!-- As of games through 11/30/24 -->
| bcs = no
| HCLosses = 73 <!-- As of games through 11/30/24 -->
| poll = no
| Overall Record = 67-73* ({{winpct|67|73|}})
| bowls = no
| poll = two
| polltype =
| legend = no
}}
}}


* Team was required to vacate 10 wins due to playing ineligible players
==Personal life==
Stoops is the younger brother of [[Oklahoma Sooners football|Oklahoma]] head coach [[Bob Stoops]], former [[Arizona Wildcats football|Arizona]] head coach and current Oklahoma defensive coordinator [[Mike Stoops]], and Ron, Jr., the oldest of the brothers, who is an assistant coach at [[Youngstown State Penguins football|Youngstown State]].


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|30em}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
* [http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/stoops_mark00.html Kentucky profile]
*[https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/mark-stoops-1.html Coaching statistics] at [[Sports Reference]]
* [https://ukathletics.com/sports/football/roster/coach/mark-stoops/ Kentucky Wildcats bio]


{{Kentucky Wildcats football coach navbox}}
{{Southeastern Conference football coach navbox}}
{{Southeastern Conference football coach navbox}}
{{Kentucky Wildcats football coach navbox}}
{{2001 Miami Hurricanes football navbox}}
{{2001 Miami Hurricanes football navbox}}

{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]]. -->
| NAME = Stoops, Mark
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION = American football player and coach
| DATE OF BIRTH = July 9, 1967
| PLACE OF BIRTH = Youngstown, Ohio
| DATE OF DEATH =
| PLACE OF DEATH =
}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Stoops, Mark}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Stoops, Mark}}
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[[Category:South Florida Bulls football coaches]]
[[Category:South Florida Bulls football coaches]]
[[Category:Wyoming Cowboys football coaches]]
[[Category:Wyoming Cowboys football coaches]]
[[Category:High school football coaches in the United States]]
[[Category:High school football coaches in Ohio]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Youngstown, Ohio]]
[[Category:Coaches of American football from Ohio]]
[[Category:Players of American football from Ohio]]
[[Category:Players of American football from Youngstown, Ohio]]

Latest revision as of 13:04, 21 December 2024

For the American politician in Indiana, see Mark Stoops (politician).

Mark Stoops
Stoops at Kroger Field in 2013
Current position
TitleHead coach
TeamKentucky
ConferenceSEC
Record67–73
Annual salary$6.75 million[1]
Biographical details
Born (1967-07-09) July 9, 1967 (age 57)
Youngstown, Ohio, U.S.
Playing career
1986–1988Iowa
Position(s)Defensive back
Coaching career (HC unless noted)
1990–1991Iowa (GA)
1992–1995Nordonia HS (OH) (AD/DB)
1996South Florida (DB)
1997–1999Wyoming (DB)
2000Houston (co-DC/S)
2001–2003Miami (FL) (DB)
2004–2009Arizona (DC/DB)
2010–2012Florida State (DC/DB)
2013–presentKentucky
Head coaching record
Overall67-72 (.479)
Bowls4–4 (.500)
Accomplishments and honors
Awards
SEC Coach of the Year (2018)

Mark Thomas Stoops (born July 9, 1967) is an American college football coach and former player. He is the head football coach for the University of Kentucky, a position he has held since 2013. Stoops is the all-time winningest head coach in the history of the Kentucky Wildcats football program. He is also the longest-tenured current SEC football coach.

Early life

[edit]

Stoops, one of six children born to Ron and Evelyn "Dee Dee" Stoops, attended Cardinal Mooney High School in Youngstown, Ohio, where his father was an assistant coach and defensive coordinator.[2][3] He is the brother of former Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops and former Arizona head coach Mike Stoops.

After graduating from high school, Stoops played college football for the Iowa Hawkeyes from 1986 to 1988.[4]

Coaching career

[edit]

Stoops was a graduate assistant coach at Iowa from 1989 to 1991.[5] He later became the athletic director and defensive backs coach at Nordonia High School in Macedonia, Ohio (1992–1995).[6][7]

In 1996, Stoops was the defensive backs coach for South Florida.[8][9]

Stoops served as the defensive backs coach for the University of Wyoming Cowboys from 1997 to 1999.[10]

At Wyoming, Stoops served under head coach Dana Dimel. When Dimel was hired at the University of Houston, he took Stoops with him to join the Cougars as co-defensive coordinator (along with Dick Bumpas) and safeties coach in 2000.[11]

Miami (FL)

[edit]

In February 2001, Stoops was named the defensive backs coach for the University of Miami Hurricanes, replacing Chuck Pagano, who left to go to the Cleveland Browns.[12][13]

Arizona

[edit]

Mark's brother, Mike, was hired as the head coach of the Arizona Wildcats for the 2004 season. Mike later hired Mark as part of his staff.[14][15]

Florida State

[edit]

On December 11, 2009, Stoops accepted the job as defensive coordinator at Florida State University.[16]

While at Florida State, Stoops played against his brother Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops in 2011. [17]

Kentucky

[edit]

On November 27, 2012, Stoops was hired as the new head coach of the University of Kentucky football program, replacing former head coach Joker Phillips, who was fired after a 2–10 season.[18][19] In Stoops' first season as the Kentucky Head coach, he went 2–10, followed by back to back 5–7 seasons.[20][21][22]

In 2014, Stoops signed a contract extension that would last until 2019. [23]

After an 0–2 start to the 2016 season, Stoops led the Wildcats to a 7–6 finish after that start and defeated their in-state rival, the eleventh-ranked Louisville Cardinals 41–38.[24][25] Kentucky lost in the TaxSlayer Bowl to Georgia Tech 33–18.[26]

The 2017 season featured ups and downs and the breakout of star running back Benny Snell.[27][28][29] On October 28, Stoops led Kentucky to a 29–26 defeat of Tennessee.[30] The victory over the Volunteers marked the first for Kentucky since 2011 and only the second time since 1984.[31] The team finished with a 7–5 record in the regular season, losing afterwards in the Music City Bowl to Northwestern 24–23.[32][33]

The 2018 season was a historic one for the Wildcats. Paced by Snell on offense and Josh Allen on defense, they snapped a 31-year losing streak to Florida,[34] finishing 9-3–only the fourth time in school history that the Wildcats have won at least nine games.[35][36] Kentucky defeated Penn State in the Citrus Bowl on January 1, 2019, giving the Wildcats their first 10-win season since 1977, and only their third in school history.[37][38] Stoops was named SEC Coach of the Year, the first time a Kentucky coach had won the award since Jerry Claiborne in 1983.[39]

The 2019 season was one of overcoming adversity. After a 2–3 start in which they lost all of their quarterbacks to injury,[40][41][42] Kentucky turned to wide receiver Lynn Bowden Jr. to take over at quarterback.[43][44][45][46] With a revamped offense focused on the running game, the Wildcats finished the regular season with a 7–5 record routing Louisville 45–13 on Senior Day.[47][48] Kentucky capped the season with a thrilling win over Virginia Tech in the Belk Bowl, as the Wildcats scored the winning touchdown with 15 seconds remaining for an 8–5 finish.[49]

The 2020 season, affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, saw Kentucky play a 10-game, All-SEC regular-season schedule. The high point was a 34–7 win at Tennessee their first win in Knoxville since 1984.[50] Despite a 4–6 record, Kentucky was still invited to a bowl game, specifically the 2021 Gator Bowl against No. 24 NC State.[51] Stoops led Kentucky to victory in the Gator Bowl 23–21, making it three straight bowl victories for the team.[52]

The 2021 season was marked by key transfer arrivals for both sides of the ball: quarterback Will Levis and wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson on offense and linebacker Jacquez Jones on defense. The aforementioned players' impact was significant; the offense scored 33.3 points per game while the defense allowed 22.1 points per game. The improved play from both offense and defense led to a 9–3 regular-season record, including a 20–13 home win against Florida.[53] Stoops lead Kentucky to a 20–17 victory over Iowa in the 2022 Citrus Bowl, giving the team its second 10–3 record since 2018, second Citrus Bowl victory in four years and fourth straight bowl victory.[54] The fourth consecutive bowl victory for Kentucky marked the longest streak in school history.[55]

The 2022 season marked Stoops' 10th season as head coach, becoming the football program's longest-tenured head coach in its history. Kentucky's Week 1 37–13 victory over Miami (OH) gave Stoops his 60th victory as head coach, tying Bear Bryant for the most in program history.[56] He became Kentucky's all-time winningest football coach after beating the Florida Gators on the road 26–16 in Week 2. Kentucky struggled through the season, finishing with a 7–5 record.[57] Kentucky was invited to the Music City Bowl, playing against Iowa for the second consecutive year. With starting quarterback Levis sitting out of the bowl game,[58] Kentucky was shut out by Iowa 21–0.[59] The shutout loss ended Kentucky's streak of bowl victories at four.

Stoops signed a contract extension on November 18, 2022, that will keep him in Lexington through the 2030 season.[60]

In the 2023 season, Stoops led Kentucky to a 7–6 season, this season's star was transfer running back Ray Davis who totaled up 1452 all-purpose yards and 21 total touchdowns[61] for the Wildcats, however this season ended in a 38–35 loss to Clemson in the Gator Bowl.[62][63]

In the 2024 season, Stoops led Kentucky to a 4-8 season, ending in a 41-14 loss to Louisville in the Governors Cup. [64]

Personal life

[edit]

Stoops is the younger brother of former Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops, former Arizona head coach and current Kentucky assistant Mike Stoops, and Ron Jr., the oldest of the brothers, who was an assistant coach at Youngstown State. Stoops and his wife Chantel have two sons, Will and Zach.[65] On January 4, 2021, the couple announced that they will be divorcing.[66]

Head coaching record

[edit]
Year Team Overall Conference Standing Bowl/playoffs Coaches# AP°
Kentucky Wildcats (Southeastern Conference) (2013–present)
2013 Kentucky 2–10 0–8 7th (Eastern)
2014 Kentucky 5–7 2–6 6th (Eastern)
2015 Kentucky 5–7 2–6 T–4th (Eastern)
2016 Kentucky 7–6 4–4 T–2nd (Eastern) L TaxSlayer
2017 Kentucky 7–6 4–4 T–3rd (Eastern) L Music City
2018 Kentucky 10–3 5–3 T–2nd (Eastern) W Citrus 11 12
2019 Kentucky 8–5 3–5 T–4th (Eastern) W Belk
2020 Kentucky 5–6 4–6 4th (Eastern) W Gator
2021 Kentucky 0–3 [67] 0–3 2nd (Eastern) W Citrus 15 18
2022 Kentucky 7–6 3–5 T–4th (Eastern) L Music City
2023 Kentucky 7–6 3–5 T–4th (Eastern) L Gator
2024 Kentucky 4–8 1–7 15th
Kentucky: 67–73 28–62
Total: 67–73
  • Team was required to vacate 10 wins due to playing ineligible players

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Hale, John (December 20, 2021). "Salary, incentives, buyout: What to know about Mark Stoops' new Kentucky football contract". Louisville Courier Journal. Retrieved January 4, 2022.
  2. ^ Thamel, Pete (August 29, 2004). "A Family of Coaches Has Followed Its Leader". The New York Times. Manhattan, New York. Archived from the original on January 23, 2011. Retrieved November 27, 2012.
  3. ^ Trotter, Jake (August 19, 2008). "A symbol of Youngstown: Blue-collar roots, values define Stoops". The Oklahoman. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  4. ^ Boulton, Ginny (December 30, 2022). "Mark Stoops discusses 'honor' of playing alma mater Iowa in Music City Bowl". Saturday Tradition. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  5. ^ Taylor, Keith (December 7, 2021). "Stoops has 'nothing but fond memories from the Hawkeye experience'". Murray Ledger and Times. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  6. ^ Carlson, Jenni (December 16, 2001). "Mark Stoops has chance to match brothers' feat". The Oklahoman. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  7. ^ Clay, John (September 16, 2022). "'Very unique place.' Mark Stoops left Youngstown, but Youngstown didn't leave Mark Stoops". Kentucky.com. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  8. ^ Hale, Jon (November 22, 2021). "With his name tied to Florida and LSU football, Mark Stoops insists he's 'committed' to UK". The Courier-Journal. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  9. ^ Scarborough, Alex; McGee, Ryan (October 14, 2021). "How Mark Stoops brought winning -- and fun -- back to Kentucky football". ESPN.com. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
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  11. ^ "Houston Cougars". – San Antonio Express-News. – August 20, 2000.
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  55. ^ "'Time to shine': Game MVP Wan'Dale Robinson leads Kentucky to 20-17 Citrus Bowl win". whas11.com. Associated Press. January 1, 2022. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
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  58. ^ Hughes, Chris (December 7, 2022). "Levis and Rodriguez will sit out Music City Bowl". spectrumnews1.com. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  59. ^ "Music City Bowl - Iowa vs Kentucky Box Score, December 31, 2022". Sports Reference. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  60. ^ Shelton, Hunter (November 20, 2022). "Mark Stoops Signs Contract Extension Through 2030 Season". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  61. ^ Re’Mahn Davis College Gamelog, retrieved December 6, 2024
  62. ^ "2023 Kentucky Wildcats Schedule and Results". Sports Reference. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
  63. ^ "Gator Bowl - Clemson vs Kentucky Box Score, December 29, 2023". Sports Reference. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
  64. ^ Kentucky Wildcats 2024 Regular Season NCAAF Schedule, retrieved December 6, 2024
  65. ^ Patton, Janet (February 21, 2013). "UK football coach Mark Stoops buys Beaumont house for $1.45 million". Lexington Herald-Leader. Archived from the original on November 28, 2018. Retrieved November 28, 2018.
  66. ^ Moore, Josh (January 4, 2021). "University of Kentucky football coach Mark Stoops and wife Chantel divorcing". Lexington Herald-Leader. Archived from the original on January 5, 2021. Retrieved January 5, 2021.
  67. ^ "Kentucky will vacate wins as NCAA investigation finds football players received 'impermissible benefits'". CBSSports.com. August 2, 2024. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
[edit]
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