UK cancels athletics board meeting as search for Mark Stoops replacement begins
Kentucky fans will have to wait to hear from athletic director Mitch Barnhart after the firing of UK football coach Mark Stoops.
UK has canceled the Board of Trustees athletics committee meeting previously scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Monday. Barnhart was scheduled to address the committee during that meeting and generally speaks with reporters after committee meetings.
“Given (the) announcement this morning, a search process is underway and that is taking priority at this time,” a UK spokesman told the Herald-Leader via text in announcing the cancellation.
UK also has no plans for a news conference today, meaning Barnhart is unlikely to answer questions from reporters about Stoops’ firing until a new coach is hired.
The UK spokesman said the details of the buyout to Stoops are still being worked out.
Here are the full statements from Barnhart and UK president Eli Capilouto included in the announcement Stoops had been fired.
Mitch Barnhart
“I have informed Coach Mark Stoops that we have decided to go in a new direction at head coach.
“I want to thank Mark for his dedication and leadership over the past 13 years, and as importantly, the friendship that is marked by walking these journeys together. His tenure transformed the program and reset expectations. His time here was filled with memorable victories, a historic run of consecutive bowl appearances, and a commitment to developing young men both on and off the field.
“We move forward committed to build upon the strong foundation that has been laid and to pursue excellence relentlessly.
“We have begun a national search to identify the next leader of Kentucky Football, someone with proven coaching results and a vision for success for Kentucky.
“I am deeply grateful for the great support we get from Big Blue Nation. Their passion and loyalty continue to make Kroger Field one of the best environments in college football.
“Kentucky Football is positioned for success. We will continue to make the necessary investments to recruit an elite head coach, players, and support staff. That includes fully funding revenue-sharing and NIL opportunities, providing state-of-the-art facilities, and ensuring our student-athletes have every resource to thrive.
“Our mission is clear: to build a championship program for the people of Kentucky. We embrace this moment with optimism and determination, confident that the next chapter will see Kentucky Football reach new heights and achieve great success.”
Eli Capilouto
“After a review that he conducts every year, Mitch is making a change in the head coaching position of our football team.
“I support his decision and will work with him to make a hire that will achieve the levels of success the Big Blue Nation expects and that we all want.
“I want to thank Coach Stoops for his 13 years of service and leadership at the University of Kentucky. He helped lead the revival of this program and achieved historic results. We are deeply appreciative of what he accomplished with this program and with the support of a committed staff throughout UK Athletics, outstanding young men and an incredible fan base.
“It is critically important that we are competitive and successful in football. That is our goal. It is our focus. We intend to be successful.”
This story was originally published December 1, 2025 at 10:43 AM.