Ad Disclosure
Mark Stoops reportedly agreed to contract extension with big pay raise prior to Vanderbilt loss
By Crissy Froyd
Published:
Kentucky football head coach Mark Stoops reportedly agreed to a contract with a significant pay raise ahead of the Wildcats’ 24-21 loss to the Vanderbilt Commodores back on Nov. 12.
According to a report from Jon Hale of the Lexington Herald-Leader, the deal was signed just the day before the fall to Vanderbilt. The contract, which includes a raise and an increased buyout if he were to leave the program, guarantees a $9 million per year salary starting in February 2023 through June 2031.
The previous deal that Stoops had was set to expire after the 2027 season. It also had a clause that triggered an automatic one-year extension any time the Wildcats had at least 7 victories in a season and a 2-year extension anytime Kentucky won 10 games. That clause is not included in the new contract.
A $9 million salary would place Stoops sixth among all college football coaches, behind only Nick Saban (Alabama), Dabo Swinney (Clemson), Kirby Smart (Georgia), Brian Kelly (LSU) and Mel Tucker (Michigan State). Texas A&M’s Jimbo Fisher’s salary is also set at $9 million this season.
NEW: While they have not announced it publicly, UK signed coach Mark Stoops to a contract extension earlier this month that includes a big raise and increased buyout if he leaves the program.
The deal was signed the day before the Vanderbilt loss. https://t.co/fnS12RFxPA
— Jon Hale (@JonHale_HL) November 20, 2022
Crissy covers SEC football news for Saturday Down South.
