The Mark Stoops era is officially over.
For the first time in more than a decade, a new voice will lead the Wildcats onto the field at Kroger Field. Following the announcement of Stoops' dismissal, Kentucky Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart and University President Eli Capilouto released statements outlining the decision to move in a new direction.
While the move signals a major shift for the program, both leaders emphasized gratitude for the stability Stoops brought to Lexington over the last 13 years.
Related: Will Stein hired as Kentucky football head coach
A new direction
Mitch Barnhart, who hired Stoops back in 2012, confirmed that he informed the head coach of the decision personally. Barnhart acknowledged the "friendship" the two shared but made it clear that the program needed a fresh start.
"I have informed Coach Mark Stoops that we have decided to go in a new direction at head coach," Barnhart said. "I want to thank Mark for his dedication and leadership over the past 13 years, and as importantly, the friendship that is marked by walking these journeys together."
Barnhart credited Stoops with transforming the culture of Kentucky football.
"His tenure transformed the program and reset expectations," Barnhart noted. "His time here was filled with memorable victories, a historic run of consecutive bowl appearances, and a commitment to developing young men both on and off the field."
Kentucky football is committing to the future
Looking ahead, Barnhart addressed the immediate questions regarding the search for a replacement and the resources available to them. He confirmed that a "national search" is already underway for a leader with "proven coaching results."
Crucially, Barnhart emphasized that the university is ready to spend what it takes to win in the modern era.
"Kentucky Football is positioned for success," Barnhart stated. "We will continue to make the necessary investments to recruit an elite head coach, players, and support staff. That includes fully funding revenue-sharing and NIL opportunities, providing state-of-the-art facilities, and ensuring our student-athletes have every resource to thrive."
University support
University President Eli Capilouto threw his full support behind the decision. He noted that the move came after Barnhart's annual review of the program.
"I support his decision and will work with him to make a hire that will achieve the levels of success the Big Blue Nation expects and that we all want," Capilouto said.
Like Barnhart, Capilouto praised Stoops for the "revival" of the program but reiterated that the goal remains unchanged: winning.
"It is critically important that we are competitive and successful in football," Capilouto said. "That is our goal. It is our focus. We intend to be successful."