Mark Stoops has become a polarizing figure for Kentucky football fans these past few years. You either really love him and want him to stay, or you want him gone.
Once universally revered for leading the Wildcats out of football obscurity, he’s now under growing scrutiny, particularly for Kentucky's struggles against ranked teams and SEC opponents. Kentucky is just 1-18 under Stoops against teams ranked in the top 10 of the Coaches Poll. It's hard to argue with how little top-tier success he has had.
This year has seen a new low, though, with Kentucky losing all four of its SEC home games for the first time in over a decade. This painful reality has some fans questioning whether Stoops can push the team to the next level. Or, worse, is he taking the team backward?
Stoops’ firm statement that there’s “zero percent chance” he’d simply step down and retire after this season has many fans wondering if he would, however, be open to a return to his roots as a DC at a place that really launched him into the head coaching world.
Stoops was the defensive coordinator (DC) at Florida State from 2010 to 2012. During his time with the Seminoles, Stoops led one of the best defensive units in the country, ranking among the nation's best in total defense, points allowed, and sacks.
His work was instrumental in helping Florida State rise back to national prominence. They eventually won a national championship in 2013 under Jimbo Fisher, one season after Stoops departed for Kentucky.
Given Stoops's success as a DC and his recent lack of success as a head coach, would he consider returning to that role?
The job is open. Florida State's current head coach, Mike Norvell, has recently shown a willingness to shake up his staff after a horrendous season. The Seminoles were 13-0 before losing quarterback Jordan Travis to injury and missing out on the playoffs.
A lot of players opted out of the bowl game, which Georgia demolished them in, 63-3. Norvell, having fired both his offensive and defensive coordinators in a bid to keep the program competitive, could turn to Stoops to try and recreate that magic. Stoops, for his part, has lamented NIL and the changes in what it means to be a head coach.
I do think it's important to circle back to these Mark Stoops comments from July when discussing NIL in an exclusive 1-on-1 interview with @DarrellBird. https://t.co/lr8hk1VI2s pic.twitter.com/9wbDihaKqz
— Chris Fisher (@ChrisFisher247) October 28, 2024
The questions linger: Would Stoops be willing to relinquish the head coaching job for a chance to focus solely on defense again and get rid of the stress he discusses above? Does he remain committed to trying to prove that he can still take Kentucky football to that proverbial next level? Will another team come calling to try and lure Stoops away from Kroger Field? Can Kentucky football afford to fire Stoops, or can they afford to keep him?
For now, Stoops' words suggest he’s not going anywhere, but with the Wildcats' home field edge faltering and frustration mounting among the fanbase, the calls for a fresh approach are growing louder and louder every day.