Mark Stoops has built a winning program in the SEC at the University of Kentucky.
The success Stoops has had in Lexington led to interest from major coaching vacancies in recent weeks but the UK coach ended speculation when he agreed in principle to a contract extension with Kentucky on November 30
Stoops hasn’t signed the contract he agreed to but he did offer a statement to UK media Friday.
“I have not,” Stoops said when asked if he had signed a contract. “This is the first time my feet hit the ground. I trust it will be done right.”
Stoops kept his word and hit the pavement recruiting talent to join the Kentucky program. The UK coach immediately went to work on the recruiting trail just days after defeating rival Louisville 52-21 in the regular-season finale.
“For me to leave, it’s not in our blood, in the Stoops blood,” Stoops said Friday. “To run from a fight, to think there’s an easier road. Things are hard no matter where you’re at. It’s a daily fight, it’s a grind but loyalty is important.”
