By most metrics, Mark Stoops is the most successful coach in Kentucky football history. His 73 wins is the most of any coach, and his 4 postseason wins is also tops at the school. He’s also one of five Kentucky coaches to have won an SEC Coach of the Year award.
The 2024 season began with a lot of fanfare, and some expectations. A tough schedule loomed, but Stoops had a talented roster loaded with veterans on both sides of the ball.
This season began with a solid win against Southern Miss, but things went off the rails in week two. Against South Carolina, the Wildcats looked completely out-matched, and the offense was completely shut down. The offensive line, in particular, had no answers for the Gamecocks pass rush.
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Stoops took a brunt of the blame for the showing in the aftermath. Fans took to social media and were pointing fingers at the head coach, especially in light of his dalliance with Texas A&M in the offseason, and comments about NIL recently.
Kentucky’s schedule does not get easier, with the Georgia Bulldogs up next. The Wildcats could make their eighth straight bowl game this season, but are in danger of missing out.
Stoops and the Wildcats need some good news now. Keeping things close with Georgia would be good. They’ll need to get some wins against teams like Auburn, Florida, and Louisville as well. If they do, it will be another good year. If they only get to four wins, fans will certainly be calling for his job again at the end of the season.