Stoops' quotes send a message to Rhett Lashlee and others
Mark Stoops isn’t backing down.
Coming off a disappointing 4–8 season (1–7 SEC), Kentucky’s head football coach spoke candidly on ESPN Radio’s Unsportsmanlike with Evan, Canty & Michelle, addressing both internal expectations and outside jabs at the SEC.
“I love the resources that I have here,” Stoops said. “The support that I’ve had here. The fan base that I’ve had here. I didn’t like the year we had a year ago… but let’s embrace that challenge. Let’s go to work every day and put a great product on the field that people in Kentucky are proud of.”
It’s a fair response. But the pressure is real. Stoops is entering Year 13 and making over $9 million annually. Since 2022, his SEC record is 7–17. That’s just two wins better than Vanderbilt.
More fuel hit the fire when SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee criticized the SEC’s “depth,” saying only six schools have won titles since 1964. Stoops was not amused.
“Absolutely it’s deep. If he wants to take a crack at it, come on,” Stoops fired back. “Strap it on and come try it… Anybody with any common sense can look at college football, and look at our conference, and know what it’s all about.” So apparently Lashlee lacks common sense, according to Stoops.
On comparing the SEC to the ACC, Stoops didn’t hold back either.
“It’s just ridiculous to try and compare them top to bottom to the SEC. That’s just a ridiculous quote.”
That may be true. But at some point, Kentucky fans want more than quotes. Stoops’ teams are 39–60 in SEC play under his watch. For a coach with this tenure and salary, the margin for error is shrinking.
Kentucky has talent. It has facilities. And it has one of the longest-tenured coaches in the country.
Now, it needs results. Stoops knows it. And in 2025, the seat may start warming if things don’t turn quickly. Stoops may not even be the head coach if it wasn't for his massive buyout.