Since his arrival in 2013, Mark Stoops has transformed Kentucky football from a perennial doormat to a consistent contender in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). With a decade of success under his belt, Stoops has established himself as one of the most successful coaches in Kentucky Wildcats history.
When Stoops took over the program, Kentucky was coming off a 2-10 season and had not had a winning record since 2009. The Wildcats were known for their struggles on and off the field, but Stoops quickly set out to change that culture.
He implemented a rigorous recruiting strategy, targeting talented players from both the state of Kentucky and beyond. He also emphasized discipline, accountability, and a winning mentality throughout the program.
Stoops' hard work soon paid off on the field. In 2014, Kentucky won its first bowl game in over 20 years, defeating South Carolina in the TaxSlayer Bowl. The following year, the Wildcats posted an 8-4 record, their first winning season since 2009.
In 2018, Kentucky reached new heights under Stoops. The Wildcats finished the regular season with a 10-2 record, their best mark since 1977. They won the Belk Bowl and finished the season ranked No. 18 in the AP Poll.
Stoops continued to lead Kentucky to success in the years that followed. In 2020, the Wildcats won their first outright SEC East Division title and reached the Citrus Bowl. In 2021, they defended their SEC East Division crown and won the Music City Bowl.
Stoops' success has had a profound impact on Kentucky football. The Wildcats have become a consistent contender in the SEC, regularly playing in bowl games and competing for division championships.
According to the NCAA, Kentucky's football attendance has increased by over 30% since Stoops took over the program. The Wildcats now have one of the most passionate and loyal fan bases in the country.
Stoops has established a winning culture at Kentucky, and the future of the program looks bright. The Wildcats have a talented roster returning in 2023, and they are poised to make another run at the SEC East Division title.
Stoops' success has also attracted attention from other schools, but he has repeatedly expressed his commitment to Kentucky. He signed a long-term contract extension in 2021, and he is now one of the highest-paid coaches in the SEC.
Mark Stoops has transformed Kentucky football into a program that is respected and feared throughout the country. His decade-long tenure in Lexington has been marked by on-field success, increased attendance, and a renewed excitement for the Wildcats. Stoops' legacy will continue to shape Kentucky football for years to come.
Stoops' success at Kentucky is due in part to his implementation of several effective strategies:
Here are some tips and tricks that Stoops uses to get the most out of his players:
Stoops' success at Kentucky is important for several reasons:
Pros:
Cons:
Season | Record | Bowl Game |
---|---|---|
2013 | 5-7 | N/A |
2014 | 7-6 | TaxSlayer Bowl (W) |
2015 | 8-4 | N/A |
2016 | 7-5 | Music City Bowl (L) |
2017 | 7-6 | Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl (L) |
2018 | 10-3 | Belk Bowl (W) |
2019 | 8-5 | Belk Bowl (L) |
2020 | 5-6 | Citrus Bowl (W) |
2021 | 10-3 | Music City Bowl (W) |
2022 | 7-6 | Music City Bowl (L) |
Rank | School | Average Attendance |
---|---|---|
1 | Alabama | 101,821 |
2 | Texas A&M | 101,213 |
3 | Ohio State | 100,921 |
4 | Georgia | 93,182 |
5 | Penn State | 92,887 |
6 | Michigan | 92,723 |
7 | Texas | 92,527 |
8 | Florida | 90,866 |
9 | Oklahoma | 89,121 |
10 | LSU | 88,839 |
**11 | Kentucky | 61,849** |
Season | Total Offense | Total Defense | Turnover Margin |
---|---|---|---|
2013 | 349.7 | 431.9 | -0.29 |
2014 | 388.7 | 454.0 | +0.21 |
2015 | 414.4 | 444.9 | +0.86 |
2016 | 421.6 | 432.1 | +0.35 |
2017 | 469.6 | 437.3 | +0.43 |
2018 | 469.9 | 420.2 | +0.43 |
2019 | 475.5 | 409.8 | +0.93 |
2020 | 472.8 | 420.4 | +0.29 |
2021 | 491.7 | 377.5 | +0.86 |
2022 | 447.3 | 377.2 | +0.64 |
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