Andrew Hampton

Mark Stoops reset the culture of Kentucky football. He brought toughness, physicality, and grit at a time when the program desperately needed all three. More than that, the high points of his tenure here fostered belief. Streaks ended. Bowls won. Standards risen. Under his leadership, Kentucky became a program that, at our best, could compete with anyone. I’ll remember his era as one defined by competitiveness and genuine excitement. I was in the stands for much of it, and saw with my own eyes the energy around our state and inside Kroger Field on gameday when Kentucky football was right. For a long stretch, Coach Stoops made it right. I am personally grateful to Mark for everything he has dedicated to this program over the last 13 years. Recent seasons have been disappointing. The combination of factors required to win at the highest level of college football has shifted dramatically. For Kentucky football to take the next step, it’s time for the next chapter. Let’s go make it happen.