Mark Stoops has gradually become one of the most stable coaches in the country at Kentucky, and along the way, he’s gained in wins that has led him to approach Bear Bryant’s 60-win mark at UK. Stoops currently sits with a 59-53 record in 9 seasons in Lexington.

“I don’t spend much time thinking about that,” Stoops said from the podium at SEC Media Days. “The 10 years in Lexington is something that I am proud about because I know how difficult that it is.”

Stoops said he’s proud of that longevity because he knows how difficult it is to reach that point.

“I know how difficult it is to walk into this league with the great coaching, with the recruiting and starting 6 feet below 14,” Stoops said. “Then trying to climb that ladder as high as we can. I am proud of that and I appreciate the work, however we’re not satisfied.”

Stoops admitted that Alabama and Georgia force other programs to elevate their game.

“With the record, I appreciate you bringing it up, but it’s not a time to really reflect on that too much,” Stoops said. “I do, honestly, just personally think about my mother. I want her to be there, and for her to have 2 sons that have the all-time wins at Power 5 programs, with Bob at Oklahoma and myself at Kentucky, that’s really the only focus I have is on my mother to be able to be there and share in that moment.”