As the holiday season rolls around, Kentucky football fans are writing their wish lists—but some are also looking to "regift." The item in question? Head Coach Mark Stoops. While Stoops insists he’s here to stay, his tenure has left some fans dreaming of fresh leadership under the tree.
Stoops, now in his 13th year at the helm, holds a 67-73 record—a mark that’s hardly setting hearts aglow with Christmas cheer. Sure, there have been moments of magic: the 10-win seasons of 2018 and 2021 were highlights. But the latter was vacated by the NCAA, leaving an asterisk on his legacy. Against teams finishing above .500, Stoops has often struggled, and the Wildcats' 4-8 record this past season was their worst since 2013.
Despite these frustrations, Stoops has remained steadfast, even saying everyone wants to replace him, but he is not going anywhere when asked about speculation regarding other coaching openings. While not quite a “Bah, humbug!” response, it left fans wishing for a different kind of present under the tree.
The crux of the issue? Kentucky’s inability to compete consistently in the SEC. Stoops has built a respectable program but hasn’t delivered the kind of success fans hoped for. In 13 seasons, only two stand out as truly remarkable, and one of those has been erased. But Stoops' salary has ballooned to 9 million a year. The Wildcats often appear on the naughty list when it comes to high-stakes matchups, especially against strong teams.
Still, Stoops deserves credit for raising Kentucky football’s profile. Recruiting has improved, the facilities are top-notch, and the “Big Blue Nation” has grown louder and filled Kroger Field. But as fans sip their holiday eggnog, many can’t help but wonder if it’s time for a change.
In this season of giving, perhaps the best gift would be for Stoops to deliver consistent success. Until then, fans will be left pondering whether Santa might someday bring a new coach down the chimney, one that played at UK perhaps?