Kentucky coach gets new deal after school’s best season since 1977

Kentucky coach Mark Stoops will receive an annual raise of $500,000 plus incentives over the remaining six years of a restructured contract following the Wildcats’ best season in 41 years. The seventh-year coach will earn $4.75 million this season with increases up to $6 million in 2024-25.

Stoops will also receive a $250,000 bonus for each Kentucky win of nine or more, replacing the previous deal that paid the same amount for the seventh and eighth victories. Incentive bonuses include $50,000 for winning Southeastern Conference Coach of the Year and $100,000 as national Coach of the Year.

Stoops would owe Kentucky $1.75 million if he terminates the contract with five years remaining, with steady decreases depending on the number of remaining seasons. Kentucky went 10-3 and won the Citrus Bowl to cap its best season since 1977.

SEC REPLAY: The SEC is adding a sideline monitor for officials on the field to use as part of its instant replay process this season. The monitor will be positioned at the officials’ sideline headset location.

The referee can use the monitor during every official instant replay stoppage of play. The referee will see what the replay official in the stadium is viewing and discussing with collaborative replay officials in the SEC’s video center. SEC representatives say this will allow the referee to provide a more specific announcement to people watching the game in the stadium or on television.