As the college football regular season comes to a close, the search for a coach for Texas A&M comes into focus. And as we all expected, finding the next Aggies football coach is a roller coaster ride. Although it appeared on Saturday that Texas A&M was ready to move on with its top target, Kentucky coach Mark Stoops, and the announcement was imminent, Stoops instead confirmed via social media overnight that he will remain with the Wildcats.
“I know there has been a lot of speculation about me and my professional situation over the last few days,” Stoops tweeted. “It’s true, I was contacted this weekend about a possible opportunity, but after celebrating a big win against our rivals with players I love like family, I knew in my heart that I wanted the University of Kentucky couldn’t leave at the moment. I have a great one.” I have a job in a place I love, and I get to work with the best administration and biggest fan base in college football right where I am. I’m happy to say I’m a Wildcat!”
Stoops, 56, took over a moribund Kentucky team in 2013 and eventually led the Wildcats to a bowl game appearance in his fourth season. Since 2018, Stoops has quietly become one of the SEC’s top coaches. He has a 47-28 record over the last six years and four bowl victories in the last five seasons. Kentucky has won 10 games twice during that span, the same number Texas A&M has won since 1998. Before Stoops’ arrival, the Wildcats hadn’t won 10 games since 1977.
For a time Saturday, it seemed likely that he was ready to take on a much bigger SEC challenge and try to push Texas A&M over the top. However, that is no longer the case as a sequel with Kentucky is on the horizon.
Texas A&M is looking to replace Jimbo Fisher, who was fired after six seasons with the Aggies. Fisher was hailed as a savior when he was hired by Florida State; The school presented Fisher with a blank national championship plaque to signify the expectations of his tenure. However, after a lackluster 6-4 start to the 2023 season, Texas A&M brass had decided it was time for the marriage to end. Fisher owes more than $70 million in buyout funds, three times the second-largest buyout in college football history.
The Aggies’ search for a new coach comes at a critical time for the program. The Aggies landed the No. 1 recruiting class all-time in 2022, and juniors will make up the lion’s share in 2024. Texas A&M is ranked No. 4 in the 247Sports Team Talent Composite, trailing only Alabama, Georgia and Ohio State. For any coach who takes the reins in College Station, Texas, keeping the roster together and getting the most out of the 2024 season will be the top priority.