Mark Stoops staying at Kentucky amid Texas A&M rumors

Field Level Media|published: Sun 26th November, 11:28 2023

Nov 18, 2023; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Stoops directs his team against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the first quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. credits: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

Kentucky's Mark Stoops said he is staying put despite multiple reports linking him to the head-coaching vacancy at Texas A&M.

Stoops, who is in his 11th season at Kentucky, took to social media early Sunday morning to make his intentions clear. His words came several hours after the Wildcats' 38-31 victory over No. 10 Louisville.

"I know there's been much speculation about me and my job situation the last couple of days," Stoops posted. "It's true I was contacted about a potential opportunity this weekend, but after celebrating a big win against our rivals with players I love like family, I knew in my heart I couldn't leave the University of Kentucky right now. I have a great job at a place I love, and I get to work with the best administration and greatest fan base in college football right where I'm at. I'm excited to say I'm a Wildcat!"

Shortly after outlets reported Stoops could head toward Texas A&M, an uprising began among fans on social media and team-related websites.

Texas A&M, which fired head coach Jimbo Fisher on Nov. 12, played its final two games under interim head coach Elijah Robinson. The Aggies (7-5, 4-4 Southeastern Conference) posted a 38-10 win over Abilene Christian on Nov. 18 and dropped a 42-30 decision to LSU on Saturday.

Kentucky (7-5, 3-5) is headed to a bowl game for the eighth consecutive season under the 56-year-old Stoops, who is the winningest coach in the school's history. He owns a 73-64 record with the Wildcats.

—Field Level Media