Mark Stoops's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 2, 2026

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Mark Stoops. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Mark Stoops is an American college football coach, currently with the Texas Longhorns. From 2013 to 2023, he was the head football coach at the University of Kentucky. Stoops achieved the distinction of becoming the all-time winningest coach in Kentucky Wildcats football history, exceeding the record previously held by the legendary Paul "Bear" Bryant.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1977: Reference to Last 10-Win Season Before 2019

On January 1, 2019, Kentucky achieved their first 10-win season since 1977 under coach Mark Stoops.

1983: SEC Coach of the Year

In 2018, Mark Stoops was named SEC Coach of the Year, the first time a Kentucky coach had won the award since Jerry Claiborne in 1983.

1984: Mentioned Last Kentucky Victory over Tennessee Before 2017

In 2017, the victory over the Volunteers marked the first for Kentucky since 2011 and only the second time since 1984.

1984: First Win in Knoxville Since 1984

In the 2020 season, one of the high points for Kentucky was a 34-7 win at Tennessee, their first win in Knoxville since 1984.

2016: 7-6 Finish and TaxSlayer Bowl Appearance

After a 0-2 start to the 2016 season, Mark Stoops led the Kentucky Wildcats to a 7-6 finish, including a victory over Louisville. Kentucky then lost to Georgia Tech in the TaxSlayer Bowl 33-18.

2017: Kentucky Defeats Tennessee; Music City Bowl Appearance

In 2017, Mark Stoops led Kentucky to a 29-26 victory over Tennessee, the first since 2011. The team finished the regular season 7-5 and lost to Northwestern in the Music City Bowl 24-23.

2018: Second 10-3 Record Since 2018

In 2022, Mark Stoops lead Kentucky to a 20–17 victory over Iowa in the 2022 Citrus Bowl, giving the team its second 10–3 record since 2018.

2018: Historic Season for Kentucky

The 2018 season was a historic one for the Kentucky Wildcats. The team finished 9-3 and snapped a 31-year losing streak to Florida.

January 1, 2019: Citrus Bowl Victory and 10-Win Season

On January 1, 2019, Mark Stoops led Kentucky to a victory over Penn State in the Citrus Bowl, achieving their first 10-win season since 1977.

2019: Adversity Overcome and Belk Bowl Victory

In 2019, Mark Stoops led Kentucky to an 8-5 finish after overcoming adversity with multiple quarterback injuries and a switch to wide receiver Lynn Bowden Jr. at quarterback, including a Belk Bowl victory over Virginia Tech.

2021: Gator Bowl Victory

In 2021, Mark Stoops led Kentucky to a 23-21 victory in the Gator Bowl against NC State, marking the team's third straight bowl victory.

2021: Key Transfers and 9-3 Regular Season

The 2021 season was marked by key transfer arrivals for both sides of the ball which led to a 9–3 regular-season record, including a 20–13 home win against Florida.

2022: Citrus Bowl Victory

In 2022, Mark Stoops led Kentucky to a 20-17 victory over Iowa in the Citrus Bowl, marking the team's second 10-3 record since 2018 and fourth straight bowl victory.