LOUISVILLE, Ky. — University of Kentucky head football coach Mark Stoops acknowledged he had a "conversation" with another program over the weekend, but downplayed reports he was poised to become the next coach at Texas A&M.
Stoops spoke about the coaching carousel during his radio show Monday night. He didn't mention the Aggies by name, but multiple reports surfaced Saturday night that he was in line to become their new head coach.
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That changed by Sunday morning, when Stoops made a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, at 1 in the morning declaring his intention to remain at Kentucky. According to Sports Illustrated's Pat Forde, the deal fell through when A&M "regents and/or big-dollar boosters" told the athletic director they wouldn't support hiring Stoops.
Forde reported that discussions had progressed to the point where Stoops started to inform staff members of his decision to leave.
Stoops downplayed any talk Monday that he was planning to take another job.
"I don't like to normally discuss things like that," Stoops said. "Sometimes people pursue you, but my concentration was on the Louisville game, as evidenced by the way we played. I simply agreed to a conversation that night and yeah, I was pursued by another opportunity. I am right where I want to be with a great team, players and administration. I'm very happy."
Texas A&M ultimately hired Duke head coach Mike Elko.
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Stoops joked he was sitting around with friends Saturday night sipping on whiskey and smoking a victory cigar when his phone started blowing up. He said others were texting and calling him about various reports they heard regarding his status.
Stoops said that's when he decided to send out the message on X.
"Normally I wouldn't respond to speculation, but it was getting so aggressive Saturday night," he said. "Just the wrong information out there that so many people were calling and texting me about. I said, 'That's 100% not accurate and I have to address this.' That's why I sent it out."
Stoops has enjoyed plenty of sustained success at UK, a place where winning on the football field hasn't always been easy. His career winning percentage of .533 is among the best in program history.
He ranks first in wins (73) and bowl wins (four).