Lexington, KY, December 10, 2025
The University of Kentucky has hired Will Stein as its new head football coach, signing him to a five-year contract worth $28.5 million. This follows the dismissal of Mark Stoops, who is to receive $37.7 million in severance. Stein’s contract includes performance incentives and annual increases, alongside terms regarding potential termination. The decision for a coaching change comes after Kentucky’s decline in recent seasons and aims to reinvigorate the football program.
Lexington, Kentucky – Will Stein’s $28.5 Million Contract as New Kentucky Football Coach
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Kentucky has appointed Will Stein as the new head football coach, offering him a five-year contract valued at $28.5 million. This agreement follows the dismissal of former coach Mark Stoops, who is set to receive nearly $37.7 million in severance payments through the 2030-31 contract year.
Contract Details for Will Stein
Stein’s contract, effective through January 31, 2031, begins with an annual salary of $5.5 million in the 2026 season. Each subsequent year will see a $100,000 increase, culminating in a $5.9 million salary in 2030. The contract includes performance incentives that can add up to $2.15 million annually, based on achievements such as College Football Playoff participation, SEC titles, and team GPA milestones. Additionally, for each College Football Playoff appearance, Stein’s contract will automatically extend by one year, with a corresponding $100,000 salary increase for each extension. If Kentucky terminates Stein’s contract without cause, he is entitled to 70% of the remaining salary, paid monthly over the contract’s duration. Conversely, if Stein leaves without cause, he is required to pay 30% of the remaining salary to the university.
Severance Agreement for Mark Stoops
Mark Stoops, who served as Kentucky’s head coach for 13 seasons, is set to receive a severance package totaling nearly $37.7 million. This includes an initial lump sum of over $3.9 million within 15 days of the December 1 separation. Following this, Stoops will receive quarterly payments of $6.75 million each year until April 1, 2031. These payments are not subject to mitigation, meaning they will not be reduced based on future employment earnings. The agreement spreads out the payments over several years, differing from the previous stipulation of a 60-day payout.
Background on the Coaching Changes
Mark Stoops, 58, concluded his tenure with an 82-80 record over 13 seasons, leading the Wildcats to two 10-win seasons and Citrus Bowl victories in 2018 and 2021. However, recent seasons saw a decline, with records of 4-8 in 2024 and 5-7 in 2025, including a 41-0 loss to rival Louisville. Athletic director Mitch Barnhart stated the decision to “go in a new direction,” leading to Stoops’ departure. Kentucky becomes the fifth SEC team to change head coaches this year, entering a competitive hiring market. The school plans major investments to support its football program, with President Eli Capilouto reaffirming the commitment to competitiveness and success. Stoops’s legacy includes eight straight bowl appearances from 2016-2023 and a peak AP ranking of No. 7 in 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Will Stein’s annual salary under his new contract?
Will Stein’s contract starts with an annual salary of $5.5 million in the 2026 season, with a $100,000 increase each subsequent year, reaching $5.9 million in 2030.
What performance incentives are included in Stein’s contract?
Stein’s contract includes performance incentives that can add up to $2.15 million annually, based on achievements such as College Football Playoff participation, SEC titles, and team GPA milestones.
How does the contract address potential termination without cause?
If Kentucky terminates Stein’s contract without cause, he is entitled to 70% of the remaining salary, paid monthly over the contract’s duration. If Stein leaves without cause, he is required to pay 30% of the remaining salary to the university.
What is the severance package for Mark Stoops?
Mark Stoops is set to receive a severance package totaling nearly $37.7 million, including an initial lump sum of over $3.9 million within 15 days of the December 1 separation, followed by quarterly payments of $6.75 million each year until April 1, 2031. These payments are not subject to mitigation.
What led to Mark Stoops’ departure from Kentucky?
Mark Stoops, 58, concluded his tenure with an 82-80 record over 13 seasons, leading the Wildcats to two 10-win seasons and Citrus Bowl victories in 2018 and 2021. However, recent seasons saw a decline, with records of 4-8 in 2024 and 5-7 in 2025, including a 41-0 loss to rival Louisville. Athletic director Mitch Barnhart stated the decision to “go in a new direction,” leading to Stoops’ departure.
Key Features of Will Stein’s Contract
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Contract Duration | 5 years, through January 31, 2031 |
| Starting Annual Salary | $5.5 million in 2026, increasing by $100,000 each year |
| Performance Incentives | Up to $2.15 million annually for achievements like CFP participation, SEC titles, and team GPA milestones |
| Contract Extension | Automatic one-year extension for each College Football Playoff appearance, with a $100,000 salary increase per extension |
| Termination Without Cause | 70% of remaining salary paid monthly over the contract’s duration |
| Severance Package for Mark Stoops | Initial lump sum of over $3.9 million, followed by quarterly payments of $6.75 million each year until April 1, 2031 |
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