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Stoops Dismisses Buyout Rumors Amid Kentucky's Struggles

10/5/2025

26 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops says there is zero chance he's walking away and denies buyout rumors.
Stoops refuted a report from Alan Cutler, saying those claims are lies.
After a 35-14 loss to No. 12 Georgia, Kentucky is 2-3 overall and 0-3 in the SEC.
If Kentucky fires Stoops, they would owe him nearly $38 million within 60 days.

History

Historical Context

Kentucky football's struggles in 2022 followed a decade of ups and downs under head coach Mark Stoops, who took over in 2013. His tenure included a notable 10-win season in 2021, but the Wildcats finished 7–6 in 2022, raising concerns about Stoops' future amid a nearly $38 million buyout clause. This situation echoes past coaching controversies, such as the 2017 firing of Texas A&M's Kevin Sumlin.

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Story summary

Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops says there is zero chance he's walking away and denies buyout rumors.
Stoops refuted a report from Alan Cutler, saying those claims are lies.
After a 35-14 loss to No. 12 Georgia, Kentucky is 2-3 overall and 0-3 in the SEC.
If Kentucky fires Stoops, they would owe him nearly $38 million within 60 days.

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