What Florida sticking with Billy Napier means for Kentucky and Mark Stoops

Despite a rocky couple of seasons, Florida is retaining Billy Napier as head coach. At a basic level, this means there is one less job available for Mark Stoops. Some fans had even shortlisted Stoops for the Florida position, given his recent success against the Gators. Stoops, who agreed to the Texas A&M job last year before public backlash kept him in Lexington, now finds himself in the hot seat. Fans are not happy, and they have reason to feel that way. While Napier has at least one more season to win over Gators fans, Stoops’ situation at Kentucky only becomes more complex.

Napier vs. Stoops

Billy Napier’s tenure at Florida has been mixed, with the Gators struggling for consistency but showing flashes of potential. Since taking over, Napier has posted an overall record of 15-18. Florida’s defense, once a powerhouse, has been porous at times, and fans have voiced concerns about the program’s lack of identity overall. Yet, the Florida administration has opted to give him more time to try to figure it out.

On the other hand, Mark Stoops has built a reputation for consistency at Kentucky. With a record of 66-70 (10 wins were vacated), Stoops achieved the Wildcats’ first 10-win season in over 40 years. However, Kentucky fans seem ready to part ways with their coach after another season of home losses, including going 0-4 in SEC home games. Stoops’ near departure to Texas A&M was quickly shut down once fans voiced their disapproval, possibly giving Florida pause in considering him as a viable head coach for their program. Would Florida fans have reacted the same way if Stoops had been offered the job?

It’s also no secret that Florida wants a high-powered offense. Stoops’ defensive-minded, grind-it-out football might not have been a fit in Gainesville anyway.

What This Means for Kentucky’s Future

With Florida sticking by Napier, Stoops’ chances of landing a high-profile SEC job appear to be dwindling, at least for now. Hugh Freeze at Auburn is another job that might open up, but Freeze recently beat Stoops in Lexington, complicating that possibility.

For Kentucky, this likely means a prolonged tenure with Stoops, who has a $44 million buyout. Stoops has taken Kentucky further than most of his predecessors, yet the program remains a step behind the conference’s powerhouses and appears to be regressing.

Interestingly, Napier’s stay at Florida also means former Kentucky player and coach Jon Sumrall has one less opportunity to move up.

Final thoughts

Stoops has brought success, stability, and respect to Kentucky football, but there’s a clear desire to move on as the program stagnates. As the Wildcats look to close out the season (Murray State, @Texas, Louisville) strong, all eyes are on Stoops, who is likely to return unless another team comes calling, given his hefty buyout.