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
Police have identified the two individuals killed in a mass shooting in Downtown Austin, but authorities say it is too early to determine the motive behind the attack. The incident occurred on West Sixth Street, where a gunman opened fire, killing two people and injuring more than a dozen others. The victims, 19-year-old Ryder Harrington and 21-year-old Savitha Shan, were confirmed by University of Texas President Jim Davis, who noted that Shan was a student at the university. Three patients remain in critical condition, and one person is expected to be taken off life support, according to Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis. A total of 14 individuals were transported to nearby hospitals, with at least four already released. Investigators are in the early stages of a complex case involving a large crime scene and extensive physical and digital evidence. Authorities are reviewing information from approximately 150 witnesses to piece together the events leading up to the shooting. Davis also mentioned that the investigation into an officer-involved shooting related to the incident will result in additional updates later this week, including the release of body camera footage on Thursday. FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Alex Doran stated that federal investigators are examining the suspect’s criminal history and background, details that will be included in the upcoming update. Doran also noted that the FBI is investigating potential ideological or international links to the attack, including items associated with the suspect, such as clothing referencing Iran. The firearms used in the shooting were obtained legally, according to Davis. Both Doran and Davis emphasized that the suspect had not been previously identified as a potential threat.#austin #jim_davis #university_of_texas #west_sixth_street #lisas_davis
