Kentucky And Mark Stoops Agree To Contract Extension

The Kentucky Football program will be led by Mark Stoops for at least another season, as the head coach has agreed to a contract extension. The announcement was made on Tuesday afternoon by AD Mitch Barnhart, which will extend Stoops contract through June 2028.

The contract, which was agreed upon this past weekend, continues his guaranteed extensions for any seven-win season, which means an additional year will be added every time he hits the seven-win mark. If Kentucky was to win 10 games, his contract would be extended by two years. This agreement by both parties will take into account the current season, where the Cats are 9-3.

Mark Stoops already secured a hefty $250,000 bonus for winning nine games, he will get another bonus in the same amount if he wins his 10th game this season.

“We have been in discussion with Coach Stoops in recent weeks and are excited about his ongoing commitment to Kentucky,” Barnhart said. “Coach Stoops has done an outstanding job in building the UK football program and we look forward to continued success under his leadership.”

Stoops has been mentioned in regard to other potential openings over the last few weeks, so this deal should put an end to that, though the release says they have not signed the deal yet, according to the release.

"The contract has been agreed upon and is in the process of getting signatures. The amended terms will be confirmed upon completion of the contract."

Mark Stoops has built himself a nice reputation at Kentucky, especially building up the program.

“I’m excited to continue to build this program to national prominence,” Stoops said.  “We’re on our way and I’m more confident in Kentucky football than I’ve ever been. I thank President Capilouto and Mitch Barnhart for their support.  The continuity among us for the last nine years is extremely valuable and I’m looking forward to more success together.

"Mitch and I came to an agreement a week or two ago and shook hands on it Saturday afternoon," Stoops added. "This process is a compliment to our relationship.”