List of replacement options for next Kentucky Football head coach after Mark Stoops let go

After 13 seasons at the helm of the Kentucky Wildcats, Mark Stoops has been let go following a disappointing 2025 campaign that included blowout losses to Vanderbilt and Louisville. Multiple reports say he’s out, though there’s debate as to whether it was a mutual parting or an outright firing.

Stoops leaves Lexington with a combined 82–80 record, or 72–80 if you exclude the 2021 season, which NCAA rulings say does not count. Kentucky’s program had seen moments of promise under Stoops, including a 10-win season in 2018 and multiple bowl appearances, but the trajectory since 2022 has been downward.

In 2022, Kentucky went 7–6 and suffered a historic loss to Iowa in the Music City Bowl, its first bowl defeat since 2017. The following year, the Wildcats repeated a 7–6 record, falling to Clemson in the Gator Bowl. In 2024, UK’s struggles intensified with a 4–8 campaign and no bowl appearance, marking the first time since 2015 they missed postseason play. The 2025 season ended at 5–7, highlighted by lopsided losses that sealed Stoops’ fate.

With the program at a crossroads, attention now turns to the top candidates to lead Kentucky into the next era.

1. Will Stein, Oregon Ducks Offensive Coordinator and QBs Coach

Currently the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Oregon, Stein has demonstrated an ability to develop top-tier quarterbacks. In his three seasons with the Ducks, he coached three different starting QBs, including Bo Nix and Dillon Gabriel, both of whom became Heisman Trophy finalists and were drafted into the NFL. This year, Stein is helping Dante Moore elevate his game with 2,733 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and six interceptions. Stein played college football at Louisville as a quarterback and has coaching experience at UTSA, Texas, Lake Travis High School, and Louisville. His strong offensive background and quarterback development expertise make him a compelling candidate for Kentucky, a program seeking explosive offensive growth.

2. Brian Hartline, Ohio State Co-Offensive Coordinator and Wide Receivers Coach

Hartline, co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach at Ohio State, has been a rising star in college football coaching. Over eight seasons with the Buckeyes, he has developed some of the nation’s top receivers, including Marvin Harrison Jr., Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, producing multiple first-round NFL Draft picks. Hartline has been recognized nationally for his coaching excellence, including being named the AFCA 35 Under 35 and wide receivers coach of the year. His brother, Mike Hartline, is already on Kentucky’s staff as the quarterbacks coach, creating a potential seamless transition should Hartline accept the position. Being able to recruit top players makes him a top candidate to revitalize Kentucky’s passing game.

3. Dan Mullen, UNLV Head Coach

Mullen, formerly of Mississippi State and Florida, brings extensive SEC experience. At Mississippi State (2009–2017), Mullen compiled a 69–46 record, famously going 5–4 in Egg Bowls and avoiding extended losing stretches. His offensive schemes have consistently produced dynamic quarterbacks and balanced attacks in the SEC. A return to the league with Kentucky could energize recruiting and restore confidence in the program, though questions about his time at Florida and consistency remain.

4. Brian Kelly, Former LSU and Notre Dame Head Coach

Kelly, a coaching veteran with a 34–14 record at LSU before his midseason firing in 2025, also looms as a high-profile option. With prior success at Notre Dame (92–40) and Cincinnati (34–6), Kelly has proven capable of leading programs at the highest levels. His experience navigating SEC competition, combined with national recognition, makes him a strong candidate to stabilize Kentucky football.

5. Bob Chesney, James Madison Head Coach

Currently at James Madison, Chesney has compiled a 20–5 record over his first two seasons, adding an 11–1 campaign in 2025. CBS Sports reports he is a top person of interest for UCLA. Known for building strong programs at lower levels, Chesney presents an intriguing option for a long-term rebuild, though questions about transitioning to the SEC level remain.

As Kentucky evaluates its options, the program will likely weigh experience in the SEC, recruiting networks, and the ability to quickly turn around a program that has struggled in recent seasons. Offensive-minded candidates like Stein and Hartline offer potential for immediate improvement in scoring and quarterback development, while seasoned leaders like Kelly and Mullen bring the stability and SEC experience that could help Kentucky compete consistently.

The Wildcats, fresh off back-to-back losing seasons and a string of disappointing bowl performances, are seeking a coach who can restore credibility, energize recruiting, and put the program back into bowl contention. Stoops’ departure closes a chapter in Kentucky football history, but the upcoming hire will set the tone for the program’s next era. With a mix of high-profile SEC veterans and rising stars in the coaching ranks, fans can expect an intense and carefully considered search over the coming weeks.

Kentucky’s next head coach will face the challenge of reversing a downward trend that began in 2022, building momentum in recruiting, and reestablishing the Wildcats as a competitive force in the SEC. While the program’s recent struggles have been well-documented, the list of candidates reflects an ambitious approach to finding a leader capable of bringing Kentucky football back to national relevance.

Who are some candidates you’d like to see considered for Kentucky? Sound off!