There is a split in BBN right now, some are sad to see Mark Stoops go. Others have been waiting for this day for year. One thing we all can agree on is that he did a massive favor for Kentucky on his way out. Stoops and Kentucky are parting ways, and let’s be honest: It is a good thing for everyone.
The message had grown stale. The hunger was gone. The 41-0 loss to Louisville was the final proof that the magic had run out.
But as he exits, Stoops deserves credit for doing the one thing he didn't have to do: He saved the athletic department from financial ruin.
The $37 million solid
Under his contract, Kentucky would have owed Stoops roughly $37 million within 60 days of firing him. That kind of lump sum payment would have crippled the program’s ability to hire a top-tier replacement or invest in NIL for any coach who would come.
Instead, lawyers worked through the night, and Stoops agreed to restructure the buyout. We have heard that it got heated, and the specifics are not yet known in great detail. What we do know is that he will allow the payments to be spaced out over several years, instead of 60 days. This means freeing up immediate cash flow for Mitch Barnhart to go big game hunting and for the new staff and recruits.
He didn't have to do that. He had the leverage. His agent outmaneuvered Mitch Barnhart and got him a great contract. He could have said "No, give me my money," and no one would blame him. But even at the end, Stoops proved he still cares about the health of the program he helped build. Kudos to him for a classy exit, similar to John Calipari leaving. It was time. Micah 7:7.