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Mark Stoops

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

Mark Stoops
Stoops at Kroger Field in 2013
Current position
TitleHead coach
TeamKentucky
ConferenceSEC
Record67–72
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 (.482)
Bowls3–4 (.429)
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 at the University of Kentucky, a position he has held since the 2013 season. 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

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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

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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)

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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

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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]

Kentucky

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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.[17][18] In Stoops' first season as the Kentucky Head coach, he went 2–10, followed by back to back 5–7 seasons.[19][20][21]

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.[22][23] Kentucky lost in the TaxSlayer Bowl to Georgia Tech 33–18.[24]

The 2017 season featured ups and downs and the breakout of star running back Benny Snell.[25][26][27] On October 28, Stoops led Kentucky to a 29–26 defeat of Tennessee.[28] The victory over the Volunteers marked the first for Kentucky since 2011 and only the second time since 1984.[29] The team finished with a 7–5 record in the regular season, losing afterwards in the Music City Bowl to Northwestern 24–23.[30][31]

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,[32] finishing 9-3–only the fourth time in school history that the Wildcats have won at least nine games.[33][34] 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.[35][36] Stoops was named SEC Coach of the Year, the first time a Kentucky coach had won the award since Jerry Claiborne in 1983.[37]

The 2019 season was one of overcoming adversity. After a 2–3 start in which they lost all of their quarterbacks to injury,[38][39][40] Kentucky turned to wide receiver Lynn Bowden Jr. to take over at quarterback.[41][42][43][44] 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.[45][46] 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.[47]

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.[48] Despite a 4–6 record, Kentucky was still invited to a bowl game, specifically the 2021 Gator Bowl against No. 24 NC State.[49] Stoops led Kentucky to victory in the Gator Bowl 23–21, making it three straight bowl victories for the team.[50]

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.[51] 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.[52] The fourth consecutive bowl victory for Kentucky marked the longest streak in school history.[53]

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.[54] 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.[55] 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,[56] Kentucky was shut out by Iowa 21–0.[57] 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.[58]

In the 2023 season, Stoops led Kentucky to a 7–6 season, culminating in a 38–35 loss to Clemson in the Gator Bowl.[59][60]

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.[61] On January 4, 2021, the couple announced that they will be divorcing.[62]

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 [63] 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 4–7 1–7
Kentucky: 67–72 28–62
Total: 67–72
  • 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.
  10. ^ "Mark Stoops". University of Wyoming Athletics. June 21, 1999. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  11. ^ "Houston Cougars". – San Antonio Express-News. – August 20, 2000.
  12. ^ "Mark Stoops Hired As Defensive Backs Coach". University of Miami Athletics. March 5, 2001. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  13. ^ Clark, Matthew (July 22, 2019). "Florida football: How the 2019 opposing coaches have fared against the Gators". Hail Florida Hail. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  14. ^ Rubenstein, Alan (December 28, 2009). "Stoops Prepares To Coach Last Game at Arizona". Bleacher Report. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  15. ^ Moore, Josh (March 2, 2020). "Mark Stoops' brother Mike won't be joining the Kentucky football staff". Kentucky.com. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  16. ^ "FSU hires Mark Stoops". ESPN.com. December 11, 2009. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  17. ^ "Kentucky Fires Football Coach Phillips". The New York Times. Associated Press. November 5, 2012. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  18. ^ "Kentucky hires FSU assistant Mark Stoops as coach". Sports Illustrated. November 27, 2012. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  19. ^ "2013 Kentucky Wildcats Schedule and Results". Sports Reference. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  20. ^ "2014 Kentucky Wildcats Schedule and Results". Sports Reference. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  21. ^ "2015 Kentucky Wildcats Schedule and Results". Sports Reference. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  22. ^ "Kentucky upsets No. 11 Louisville 41-38 after Lamar Jackson fumble". USA TODAY. Associated Press. November 26, 2016. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  23. ^ "2016 Kentucky Wildcats Schedule and Results". Sports Reference. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  24. ^ "TaxSlayer Bowl - Georgia Tech vs Kentucky Box Score, December 31, 2016". Sports Reference. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  25. ^ Bratton, Michael Wayne (April 13, 2017). "Kentucky's breakout RB Benny Snell taking his game to another level this spring". Saturday Down South. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  26. ^ Chisenhall, Jeremy (December 4, 2017). "Benny Snell, Josh Allen make AP All-SEC teams". A Sea Of Blue. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  27. ^ Taylor, Keith (September 15, 2017). "Stoops, Wildcats embrace expected challenge at South Carolina in SEC opener". NKyTribune. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  28. ^ "Tennessee at Kentucky Box Score, October 28, 2017". Sports Reference. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  29. ^ "Football History vs University of Kentucky". University of Tennessee Athletics. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  30. ^ "Music City Bowl - Kentucky vs Northwestern Box Score, December 29, 2017". Sports Reference. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  31. ^ "2017 Kentucky Wildcats Schedule and Results". Sports Reference. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  32. ^ "The streak is over: Gators lose to Kentucky for the first time in 32 years". The Florida Times-Union. Associated Press. September 8, 2018. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  33. ^ "2018 Kentucky Wildcats Schedule and Results". Sports Reference. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  34. ^ "Kentucky Wildcats College Football History, Stats, Records". Sports Reference. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  35. ^ "Citrus Bowl - Kentucky vs Penn State Box Score, January 1, 2019". Sports Reference. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  36. ^ "Kentucky Wildcats College Football History, Stats, Records". Sports Reference. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  37. ^ "SEC Coach of the Year Winners". Sports Reference. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  38. ^ Marcum, Jason (August 17, 2019). "Nik Scalzo suffers injury in practice". A Sea Of Blue. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  39. ^ Boone, Kyle (September 8, 2019). "Kentucky starting quarterback Terry Wilson out for season after suffering knee injury". CBSSports.com. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  40. ^ Hale, John (October 11, 2019). "What Kentucky football does with quarterbacks vs. Arkansas could sway season". The Courier-Journal. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  41. ^ Story, Mark (October 13, 2019). "Its season on the brink, UK turns back to its secret weapon. Lynn Bowden made it work". Kentucky.com. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  42. ^ Hale, Jon (October 13, 2019). "On Jared Lorenzen night, Lynn Bowden posts own unforgettable quarterback performance". The Courier-Journal. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  43. ^ Cox, Joe (November 20, 2019). "Kentucky football: How Lynn Bowden has reinvented himself into a Lexington legend". Saturday Down South. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  44. ^ Tucker, Kyle (November 30, 2019). "Kentucky transformed Lynn Bowden, then Lynn Bowden transformed Kentucky". The Athletic. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  45. ^ "Louisville at Kentucky Box Score, November 30, 2019". Sports Reference. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  46. ^ "2019 Kentucky Wildcats Schedule and Results". Sports Reference. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  47. ^ "Belk Bowl - Virginia Tech vs Kentucky Box Score, December 31, 2019". Sports Reference. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  48. ^ Cobb, David (October 17, 2020). "Kentucky wins at Tennessee for first time since 1984, throttling Volunteers with stifling defense". CBSSports.com. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  49. ^ "2020 Kentucky Wildcats Schedule and Results". Sports Reference. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  50. ^ "Gator Bowl - North Carolina State vs Kentucky Box Score, January 2, 2021". Sports Reference. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  51. ^ "2021 Kentucky Wildcats Schedule and Results". Sports Reference. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  52. ^ "Citrus Bowl - Iowa vs Kentucky Box Score, January 1, 2022". Sports Reference. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  53. ^ "'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.
  54. ^ "Mark Stoops Ties Bear Bryant's Record With 60th Win as Kentucky Head Coach". Sports Illustrated. September 4, 2022. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  55. ^ "2022 Kentucky Wildcats Schedule and Results". Sports Reference. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  56. ^ Hughes, Chris (December 7, 2022). "Levis and Rodriguez will sit out Music City Bowl". spectrumnews1.com. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  57. ^ "Music City Bowl - Iowa vs Kentucky Box Score, December 31, 2022". Sports Reference. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  58. ^ Shelton, Hunter (November 20, 2022). "Mark Stoops Signs Contract Extension Through 2030 Season". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  59. ^ "2023 Kentucky Wildcats Schedule and Results". Sports Reference. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
  60. ^ "Gator Bowl - Clemson vs Kentucky Box Score, December 29, 2023". Sports Reference. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
  61. ^ 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.
  62. ^ 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.
  63. ^ "Kentucky will vacate wins as NCAA investigation finds football players received 'impermissible benefits'". CBSSports.com. August 2, 2024. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
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