The Texas Longhorns are making significant changes to their coaching staff, bringing in a seasoned SEC coach for the upcoming 2026 season. In a bid to end a national championship drought that has lasted over two decades, head coach Steve Sarkisian is focused on assembling a team rich in experience and talent. The latest addition to this revamped staff is Mark Stoops, the former head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats, as reported by 247sports.
Stoops, who led the Wildcats for 13 seasons, was dismissed from his position on December 1. He now steps into a role as a special assistant to Sarkisian. Despite some struggles in his final seasons, Stoops is recognized for his winning track record, holding the title of the all-time winningest coach in Kentucky history with an overall record of 82 wins and 80 losses. His last two seasons, however, saw a downturn, resulting in a 9-15 record that ultimately led to his departure and a substantial buyout of $30 million owed within 60 days of his firing.
Stoops brings a wealth of coaching experience, having started his career in 1996 as a defensive backs coach at South Florida. He then held the same position at Nebraska from 1997 to 1999. In 2000, he served as a co-defensive coordinator at the University of Houston before joining the Miami Hurricanes as a defensive backs coach until 2004. Following that, he took on the role of defensive coordinator at Arizona and later moved to the Florida State Seminoles in the same capacity. His tenure at Kentucky began in 2013, where he achieved notable success, including ending a 31-game losing streak against the Florida Gators in 2018 and securing the program”s first 10-win season since 1977.
Longhorns fans might recognize the Stoops name, as Mark is the younger brother of Bob Stoops, the former head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners. In his new role at Texas, it is anticipated that Stoops will contribute significantly to game-planning, further enhancing the coaching staff”s depth and expertise. His addition is another strategic move by Sarkisian aimed at fostering a winning culture and elevating the Longhorns” competitiveness in the SEC.
