The 2024 football season for the University of Kentucky Wildcats has been nothing short of a debacle, both on the field and in the public eye. Despite boasting a coaching staff with an impressive 121 years of combined experience at the Power 5 or NFL level, second only to Georgia's 126 years within the SEC; the Wildcats finished with a dismal 4-8 record, including a 1-7 mark in SEC play. Definitley a stark contrast showing up there.
To the point that @GatorDave_SEC has been trying to articulate, Florida coaching staff will have the 3rd least amount of P5/NFL experience within in the SEC
— Hail Florida Hail (@HailFloridaHail) March 5, 2024
Doesn't mean this guys can't coach, just means many haven't had sustained P5 success before and 2024 would be their first pic.twitter.com/XsMxBclDWt
A Season of Disappointment
Kentucky's performance this season was a significant drop from previous years under Stoops, who had previously guided the team to respectable seasons. However, the 2024 campaign was marked by losses that highlighted vulnerabilities in both strategy and execution.
According to Sports-Reference.com, Kentucky ranked 119th in points scored per game at 20.6, starkly juxtaposed against the 38th position in points allowed per game, indicating a team that struggled offensively while maintaining a somewhat solid defense. Part of that is how slow the Cats played on offense too.
Coaching Experience vs. On-Field Results
The disparity between Kentucky's coaching pedigree and their record this season is particularly glaring when compared to other SEC teams. The only teams with over 100 years combined experience:
- Georgia (126 years)
- Kentucky (121 years)
- Tennessee (117 years)
- Texas (106 years)
- South Carolina (113 years)
One of those teams is not like the other: Tennessee, Texas, and Georgia made the College Football Playoff, while South Carolina finished 9-3. Kentucky, however, failed to score more than 21 points against a power 5 opponent coming nowhere near a bowl game.
Mark Stoops' Tenure Under Scrutiny
How hot is Mark Stoops' seat in 2025? ESPN weighs in.
— Nick Roush (@RoushKSR) January 7, 2025
“Most SEC coaches can’t survive two rough seasons.”
MORE: https://t.co/kfP3EcBhDA pic.twitter.com/iHfZzPE9hC
Mark Stoops, entering his 13th year as head coach, is now under intense scrutiny. With an overall record that has dipped below .500 after having to vacate 10 wins due to NCAA violations, his position has become increasingly precarious. Critics point to Stoops' $9 million annual salary as the highest-paid coach on UK's campus, questioning whether the investment is yielding the expected returns. His contract, which includes substantial bonuses for postseason play, now looms large over his future with the Wildcats.
Talent vs. Coaching
One of the more baffling aspects of Kentucky's season was the underutilization of its roster's talent. This was one of the most talented teams Stoops has coached, yet the results failed to match that. The combination of experienced coaches and a roster filled with high-caliber players should have led to better outcomes, but instead, the team was barely competitive against good teams.
Looking Ahead
This is the middle of next season for Kentucky football. pic.twitter.com/wpiHTPbNT7
— Justin Rowland (@RowlandRIVALS) January 3, 2025
The pressure on Stoops to turn around the program is immense, especially with the SEC's competitive landscape becoming even more challenging in the new 12-team College Football Playoff era. The coming season will be crucial for Stoops, not just to salvage his reputation but also to demonstrate that his vast experience can translate into on-field success. With a tough schedule ahead, Stoops and company have their work cut out for them.