Full Breakdown
Mark Stoops Joins Texas Longhorns as Special Assistant to Steve Sarkisian
3/3/2026, 4:12:11 AM
Overview of the Hiring
Mark Stoops, the former head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats, has been appointed as a special assistant to Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian. This decision comes after Stoops was dismissed from Kentucky following a disappointing 2025 season, marking the end of his 13-year tenure during which he became the program's all-time winningest coach with a record of 72-80. His hiring was first reported by Chip Brown of Horns247 and has since been confirmed by multiple sources.
Background and Context
Stoops' coaching career spans over three decades, beginning as a graduate assistant at Iowa. He has held various positions, including defensive backs coach and defensive coordinator at institutions such as South Florida, Wyoming, Houston, Miami, Arizona, and Florida State. His most notable achievement at Kentucky includes leading the Wildcats to eight consecutive bowl games from 2016 to 2023, with two seasons achieving 10 wins. However, Stoops faced challenges in his final years, culminating in back-to-back losing seasons, which prompted Kentucky's athletic director Mitch Barnhart to terminate his contract.
Role and Responsibilities at Texas
As a special assistant, Stoops is expected to provide strategic insights primarily focused on the defensive side of the ball, collaborating closely with new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp. His role will involve self-scouting the Texas offense and assisting in game planning against opposing teams. Unlike previous special assistants like Paul Chryst and Gary Patterson, Stoops will not engage in recruiting or roster management but will lend his extensive experience to enhance the Longhorns' defensive strategies.
Implications for Texas Football
The addition of Stoops is part of a broader strategy by Sarkisian to bolster the coaching staff with experienced voices as Texas aims for a return to the College Football Playoff in 2026. The Longhorns finished the 2025 season ranked No. 13 and are looking to improve upon their performance. With key players like quarterback Arch Manning and defensive end Colin Simmons expected to make significant contributions, Stoops' expertise is seen as a valuable asset in navigating the competitive landscape of college football.
Criticism and Opposition
While Stoops' hiring has been generally well-received, some critics question the effectiveness of bringing in a coach who recently faced challenges at Kentucky. Concerns have been raised about whether his past performance could translate into success at Texas, particularly given the high expectations for the program.
Official Statements & Responses
Steve Sarkisian expressed enthusiasm about Stoops joining the staff, highlighting his extensive experience and defensive acumen. The Texas football program has emphasized its commitment to enhancing its coaching capabilities, particularly in light of recent staff changes, including the hiring of Will Muschamp.
Verbatim Quotes
- “From ESPN: “Mark Stoops is on his way out at Kentucky after 13 seasons, which included two of the school’s four 10-win campaigns, in 2018 and 2021.” — ESPN
- “Coaching at Kentucky the last 13 years has been one of the greatest honors of my life.” — Mark Stoops
What's Next for Texas Football
As the Longhorns prepare for the 2026 season, Stoops will play a crucial role in shaping the team's defensive strategies. The upcoming season will be pivotal for Sarkisian, who is under pressure to deliver a championship-caliber team, making Stoops' contributions particularly significant as Texas aims to reclaim its status among college football's elite.
