Just a few short weeks ago, Kentucky football upset Ole Miss, who were ranked in the top five, and coach Mark Stoops was the toast of Lexington. Since then, things have gone downhill, and many fans are wondering if a new coach is needed.
Recently, USA Today sports released their annual Coaches Compensation Report, detailing the salaries of the head coaches of college football. Stoops comes in as the ninth highest paid coach of 2024 at just over $9 million.
Related: Best photos from Kentucky’s loss to Florida
So, how much would it cost to buyout the remainder of Stoops’ contract?
If Kentucky wanted to move on, it would cost them $44,437,500. That’s a steep sum to cough up just a couple of years after signing him to an extension.
The Stoops era of Kentucky football has been one of the most successful runs in school history. However, expectations are higher now as well. With the team at 3 – 4, and a very difficult schedule the rest of the way, it looks like a bowl game might not happen.
If they finish under .500, and miss a bowl game, the segment of the fanbase looking to move on will grow louder. Then the school will have to decide if they want to spend $44 million to go in a new direction.