Mark Stoops, Former Kentucky Football Coach, Joins Texas Longhorns LEXINGTON — Mark Stoops, the winningest head coach in Kentucky football history, is set to join the University of Texas as a special assistant to head coach Steve Sarkisian, according to a report from Horns247.com. The move marks his first coaching position with a team other than the Wildcats since November 2012, when he served as Florida State’s defensive coordinator. Stoops, who spent 13 seasons leading the Kentucky program, was fired in December 2025 after a 5-7 record in his final season. His departure followed a 41-0 loss to archrival Louisville at L&N Stadium on November 29, which became the largest margin of defeat in the series’ history. The Wildcats’ postseason streak of eight consecutive bowl appearances (2016–23) ended with a 4-8 record last season, including a 41-14 home loss to Louisville. Kentucky owes Stoops nearly $38 million, which will be paid in quarterly installments through April 2031. The separation agreement with the university ensures his future earnings with any team do not affect the remaining payments. The first installment of $3.9375 million was due within 15 days of his firing, by December 16. The final payment, totaling $6.75 million annually, is scheduled for April 1, 2031. Athletics director Mitch Barnhart acknowledged Stoops’ impact during a press conference following the announcement of his successor, Will Stein. “Mark Stoops gave us 13 incredible years of his life,” Barnhart said. “We always wanna focus on the end. ... In the game of sports, you don’t get a lot of happy endings where you get to walk off into the sunset and get to call it the way you want to call it.#university_of_texas #mark_stoops #steve_sarkisian #kentucky_football #mitch_barnhart
Mark Stoops Joins Texas Coaching Staff as Special Assistant to Steve Sarkisian One week before Texas begins spring practice, head coach Steve Sarkisian has added a seasoned mentor to his staff, as former Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops will serve as a special assistant to Sarkisian at the University of Texas. The move was confirmed by 247Sports, marking the latest addition to Sarkisian’s coaching team as the Longhorns aim to return to the College Football Playoff in 2026. Stoops, who spent 13 years as the head coach at Kentucky, brings over three decades of experience to Austin. During his tenure at the Wildcats, he compiled an overall record of 82-80, including seven winning seasons and four bowl appearances. He was dismissed by Kentucky following the 2025 season but remains the program’s all-time winningest coach. His departure left a legacy of stability and competitive success, which Sarkisian aims to leverage as Texas rebuilds its program. This hiring aligns with Sarkisian’s strategy of incorporating veteran coaches to bolster his staff. Previously, he has enlisted Paul Chryst and Gary Patterson as special assistants, with Patterson recently transitioning to the role of defensive coordinator at USC. Stoops’ expertise, particularly in defensive schemes, is expected to provide valuable insight as Texas refines its approach ahead of the 2026 season. The Longhorns’ offensive development remains a focal point for Sarkisian, though the return of Heisman Trophy candidate Arch Manning offers optimism. Manning’s strong finish to the 2025 season has positioned him as a key asset in Texas’ quest to reclaim national prominence. With Stoops’ guidance, the program aims to address both defensive and offensive challenges while navigating the competitive landscape of college football.#kentucky #university_of_texas #mark_stoops #steve_sarkisian #college_football_playoff
Texas has hired former Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops as a special assistant to Steve Sarkisian Former Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops has been named a special assistant to Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian, according to a source close to the situation. The hire follows Sarkisian’s recent additions of analysts from other programs, including former Michigan co-offensive coordinator Steve Casula, former Michigan special teams coordinator JB Brown, and former Florida receivers coach Billy Gonzales. The move marks another step in Texas’ strategy to strengthen its football program ahead of the 2026 College Football Playoff season. Stoops, who was fired by Kentucky after 13 seasons, will take on a role similar to those previously held by Paul Chryst and Gary Patterson at Texas. His hiring comes amid a $38 million buyout clause from his Kentucky contract, which will be paid over several years. The decision to bring in Stoops, a defensive coordinator with extensive experience, aligns with Texas’ focus on bolstering its coaching staff with expertise in defensive schemes. Stoops’ career includes stints as a defensive backs coach and coordinator at multiple programs, including South Florida, Wyoming, Miami (Florida), Arizona, and Florida State, before becoming Kentucky’s head coach in 2013. He and new Texas defensive coordinator Will Muschamp, who previously worked with Stoops at Georgia, are described as having mutual respect for each other’s coaching acumen. The Longhorns’ hiring of Stoops is part of a broader effort to enhance their analytical and coaching staff. Texas has also added Garrett Cox, a former Georgia senior analyst specializing in linebackers, to the same role. Cox worked under Muschamp at Georgia, further reinforcing the program’s emphasis on defensive expertise.#texas #kentucky #mark_stoops #steve_sarkisian #college_football_playoff
