Mark Stoops is staying at Kentucky despite Texas AM rumors

Mark Stoops is staying at Kentucky despite Texas A&M rumors – ESPN – ESPN

ESPN November 26, 2023, 6:14 am ET2 minute reading

Kentucky’s Ray Davis runs for the game-winning 37-yard TD

Kentucky scores a minute ahead of Louisville with a 37-yard touchdown from Ray Davis.

Mark Stoops said he is staying at Kentucky after multiple reports this weekend linked him to the head coaching job at Texas A&M.

Stoops, who is in his 11th season at Kentucky, announced his decision on social media early Sunday morning, less than 24 hours after the Wildcats’ upset 38-31 win over No. 10 Louisville.

Although he didn’t specifically mention Texas A&M, Stoops said in his social media post that he was “contacted about a possible opportunity this weekend.”

Texas A&M has been conducting a coaching search since firing Jimbo Fisher two weeks ago, but sources confirmed to ESPN’s Pete Thamel that the Aggies will not hire Stoops.

Texas A&M (7-5, 4-4 SEC) played its final two games under interim coach Elijah Robinson, who is widely considered a candidate for the full-time job. The Aggies lost the regular-season finale to No. 14 LSU on Saturday.

Kentucky (7-5, 4-4 SEC) is headed to its eighth straight bowl game under Stoops, a school record. The last time Kentucky won at least eight straight seasons was from 1946 to 1956.

Stoops, 56, is the winningest coach in Kentucky football history with a career record of 73-64 and is currently under contract through the 2031 season.