For over a decade, Mark Stoops was untouchable in Lexington, the man who turned Kentucky football from an afterthought into a consistent bowl team. But as losses mount and optimism fades, the walls are closing in. And the embattled head coach is losing one time supports.
Now the program’s most loyal voices are done defending him.
History speaks out
“It pains me to no end what has happened to UK Football program over the last three years,” said Oscar Combs, who founded The Cats’ Pause and is member of the Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame. “Seeing Kentucky listed at the bottom of SEC power listings by so many experts is not what any of us expected. UK leadership must step up, make changes.”
That’s not just fan frustration, that’s history speaking. And he is right.
Former Wildcat Jeremy Caudill echoed those sentiments: “Three years ago I thought there was a problem with Stoops at the helm… it was a discipline issue, it was mistakes. Watching those same mistakes happen time after time with no fixes — the contract is the only thing that has saved the man.”
A program in decline
The criticism reflects a deep disillusionment. The program hasn’t won a home SEC game in nearly two years. Recruiting is trending downward, offensive line play has failed to progress under Eric Wolford, and the stands are starting to empty. Kroger Field is about to look like an away game for Kentucky.
Stoops’ massive buyout remains a hurdle, and athletic director Mitch Barnhart is notoriously hesitant to fire anyone. But as former players and prominent voices turn away, it’s clear the goodwill Stoops built is gone. He has his supporters, you can be sure of that, but they are lessening in numbers.
Change may not come today or tomorrow, but the clock is ticking in Lexington.
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time he enjoys downtime with his family and Premier League soccer. You can find him on X here. Micah 7:7. #UptheAlbion