College Football Analyst Suggests Mark Stoops Should Restructure His Contract to Rebuild Trust and Momentum
With the recent news of Florida State head coach Mike Norvell restructuring his salary to benefit his program, discussions around similar moves for other prominent college coaches have emerged. Among the names floated is Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops, whose lucrative and highly favorable contract has sparked increasing scrutiny among Big Blue Nation (BBN). A SaturdayBlitz.com article, written by college football analyst Andrew Boardwine, listed Stoops as one of five coaches who would benefit from renegotiating their deals to address mounting concerns and reinvigorate their programs.
Boardwine’s analysis highlighted Stoops alongside Brent Venables (Oklahoma), Lincoln Riley (USC), and Hugh Freeze (Auburn) as prime candidates for salary restructuring. The suggestion comes amid growing frustrations within the Kentucky fanbase, who argue that Stoops’ current contract—one of the most coach-friendly agreements in the country—does little to hold him accountable for underperformance. With a buyout clause of $44 million, Stoops is effectively shielded from job insecurity, regardless of the team’s results. This number, while set to decrease slightly in the coming year, has left many fans questioning the fairness and flexibility of the deal.
Critics argue that this contract, combined with Kentucky’s recent struggles to consistently contend in the SEC, has eroded confidence in Stoops. Fan sentiment suggests that a renegotiation could serve as a symbolic and practical gesture—one that demonstrates Stoops’ commitment to both Kentucky football’s long-term success and the expectations of its fanbase.
In his article, Boardwine explains how such a move could benefit both Stoops and the Kentucky program:
“This is where a restructure could be the best path forward. Stoops could agree to renegotiate his deal, whether that means reducing the buyout or deferring a portion of his salary to reinvest in NIL collectives or staff improvements. It’s a move that would show Stoops’ dedication to Kentucky’s future while softening the financial blow if things don’t improve.
For Kentucky, it could be a win-win: keeping a proven coach who’s willing to adapt while creating breathing room for a program in need of fresh momentum.”
— Andrew Boardwine, SaturdayBlitz.com
The idea of reworking Stoops’ deal has gained traction among fans who believe that it could help address key issues holding Kentucky back. One suggestion is redirecting a portion of Stoops’ salary toward investments in NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) opportunities or improved coaching staff hires—two areas critical for competing in the increasingly competitive landscape of college football. By showing a willingness to restructure, Stoops would send a powerful message to fans, recruits, and the broader program that he remains laser-focused on building a winning culture rather than resting on the financial security of his current deal.
However, while the idea of renegotiation may resonate with fans and analysts, there is no concrete indication that Stoops or the Kentucky administration are even entertaining such discussions. So far, the status quo remains in place, leaving fans to speculate on whether Stoops will take steps to demonstrate his commitment to turning the program around.
For Stoops, restructuring his contract could be a pivotal move to rebuild trust and reignite enthusiasm among Big Blue Nation. It would not only soften the frustrations stemming from his current deal but also position Kentucky to invest more strategically in the future—whether through NIL funding, enhanced facilities, or coaching staff upgrades.
Whether Stoops chooses to take this route remains to be seen. What’s clear, however, is that BBN is looking for action, accountability, and signs of renewed momentum for Kentucky football. As pressure builds, a proactive gesture like restructuring could be just what the program—and its head coach—needs to win back the unwavering support of Kentucky fans.