For 13 years, Kentucky fans have watched Mark Stoops's teams field offenses that have rarely, if ever, been truly good. Even the celebrated 2021 unit featuring an NFL offensive coordinator, a Joe Moore Award finalist offensive line, and future NFL draft picks at QB, WR, and RB, ranked just 50th nationally in total offense. That much talent and still they couldn't get close to a top 20 offense.
The consistent struggles have led to intense scrutiny of the offense, and Stoops's defense has always been the same: he stays out of it. He recently claimed to have "zero percent" involvement in that side of the ball.
But a coach's own words are the ultimate proof. A look back through the years reveals a pattern of a head coach who is far more hands-on than he claims, directly contradicting his "zero percent" assertion.
Quote 1: "It really pissed me off and we had a discussion." (2025)
Just this season, after a chaotic sequence against Ole Miss where the offense couldn't even line up correctly, Stoops was asked about the disorganization. He didn't sound like a hands-off observer.
"We talked about that at halftime. Cleaned that up. It really pissed me off and we had a discussion with the offensive staff and got that rectified."
A head coach who has "zero percent" involvement doesn't have angry halftime "discussions" with his offensive staff to rectify on-field schematic issues. This is the definition of direct intervention.
Quote 2: "I probably put that thought in Rich’s head." (2022)
During Rich Scangarello's tenure, Stoops went even further, admitting he directly influenced a specific play call, a disastrous trick play that resulted in a fumble deep in their own territory. South Carolina then converted a 2 yard TD and neve looked back, winning at Kroger 24-14.
"Probably on me... late in the week... I said that looks good, you know, that we might be able to get him in a predictable defense... So, I probably put that thought in Rich’s (Scangarello) head. So not good at all. You know what I mean? And I know better."
This is a coach admitting he not only has input but that his input can lead to specific, consequential play calls. This goes far beyond zero percent.
Quote 3: "That is who we are." (2015)
The most telling evidence comes from all the way back in 2015, where Stoops laid out his entire offensive philosophy; a philosophy that every coordinator since has been forced to operate within.
"We have to be able to run the ball and throw it off the actions... The 15-play drive, that is who we are... We have to be able to run the ball and we have to be able to throw it off the action."
This is not a coach staying out of the offense. This is the coach building the entire sandbox his coordinators are allowed to play in. Then saying I have no control over the offense, but reality says I have no control over the offense as long as they play within this same box.
The verdict: Stoops's philosophy is the on true constant
Mark Stoops's vision for Kentucky football is clear: a throwback, Big Ten style of smash-mouth running, clock control, and defense. That philosophy is a shoehorn, forcing every offensive coordinator into the same limited style.
That's why the results are always the same: poor QB play, excessive sacks, vanilla play-calling, and a struggle to score. A head coach doesn't have to call every play to have total control. When he sets the philosophy, has angry halftime discussions, and influences specific play calls, his involvement is far from zero and we have the receipts prove it.
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