SEC Program Fires College Football Coach Making $37.6 Million

The SEC has experienced a major upheaval in its coaching lineup this season. Multiple head coaches were dismissed during the 2025 college football campaign, including Billy Napier of the Florida Gators, Sam Pittman of the Arkansas Razorbacks, Hugh Freeze of the Auburn Tigers, and Brian Kelly of the LSU Tigers.

On Sunday, the Kentucky Wildcats joined the wave of changes. Mark Stoops, who led the program since 2013, has reportedly been relieved of his duties after compiling an overall record of 82-80. The 2025 season ended with a 5-7 record for Kentucky, marking the second consecutive year the team missed bowl eligibility.

The Wildcats concluded the season with consecutive losses, including a 41-0 defeat against the Louisville Cardinals. With Stoops gone, Kentucky now faces the challenge of finding a new head coach, following several SEC programs that have already finalized their leadership moves for the upcoming seasons.

While Kentucky begins its search for a replacement, other SEC schools have made their coaching announcements: Florida appointed Jon Sumrall, LSU named Lane Kiffin, Arkansas selected Ryan Silverfield, and Auburn hired Alex Golesh.

Stoops buyout from Kentucky reportedly exceeds $37.6 million, a financial commitment that will impact the program for years. Under his tenure, Kentucky went 4-4 in bowl games and earned the SEC Coach of the Year honor in 2018.

Before joining Kentucky, Stoops had coaching stints at Florida State, Arizona, Miami, Houston, Wyoming, South Florida, and Iowa, building a long career in college football.

This report was first published by Athlon Sports on December 1, 2025, in the College Football section.

Author: Sophia Brooks