How Much Does Mark Stoops Make A Year

So, I was at the local sports bar the other night, and I overheard a couple of guys debating about how much Kentucky's head football coach, Mark Stoops, makes in a year. One guy swore he was pulling in more than a NBA player, while the other thought he was just a fraction of that. I thought to myself, "Well, let's find out, shall we?"

Mark Stoops: The Man, The Myth, The Salary?

First things first, let's put this into perspective. Mark Stoops has been the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats since 2013. He's the longest-tenured coach in the SEC, and he's turned the program around, taking them to bowl games and even winning the Citrus Bowl in 2019. So, he's doing something right, right?

Now, let's get down to business. According to USA Today's 2020 database, Mark Stoops' base salary is $5.3 million. That's right, you read it correctly. Five point three million dollars. But wait, there's more!

Bonuses and Incentives: The Cherry on Top

Coach Stoops isn't just making bank on his base salary. He's also got a whole bunch of bonuses and incentives that can bump up his annual earnings. For instance, he gets a $100,000 bonus for winning a SEC game, and a $200,000 bonus for winning a bowl game. And if he manages to win the SEC Championship? Well, that's a cool $500,000 bonus right there.

But wait, there's more (yes, I'm channeling my inner infomercial host here). Stoops also gets bonuses for academic achievements, facility improvements, and even for appearing on national TV. So, if you've been watching the Wildcats on ESPN, you've been contributing to Coach Stoops' bottom line. You're welcome, by the way.

What is Mark Stoops's Net Worth in 2025? Salary, Contract & Career

Comparisons: How Does Stoops Stack Up?

Now, let's compare Stoops' salary to other coaches in the SEC. According to the same USA Today database, he's the 6th highest-paid coach in the conference. The top spot goes to Alabama's Nick Saban, who makes a cool $9.3 million a year. But remember, Saban's been coaching at Alabama since 2007, so he's had more time to rack up those bonuses and incentives.

If we compare Stoops' salary to other professional coaches, it's a bit of a mixed bag. He makes more than some NBA coaches, but less than others. For instance, he makes more than the Charlotte Hornets' James Borrego ($3.5 million), but less than the Golden State Warriors' Steve Kerr ($7.4 million). In the NFL, Stoops makes less than the average head coach, but more than some. The Cleveland Browns' Kevin Stefanski, for example, makes $4 million a year.

Kentucky Coach Mark Stoops Salary - USA TODAY

Is It Enough? That's Up to You

So, there you have it. Mark Stoops makes a pretty penny coaching the Kentucky Wildcats. But is it enough? Well, that's up to you. Some might say he's worth every penny, given what he's done for the program. Others might say he's overpaid, and that the money could be better spent elsewhere. But hey, that's just my two cents. What do you think?

One thing's for sure, though. The next time you're at the sports bar, and someone starts talking about how much Mark Stoops makes, you can hold your own in the conversation. You're welcome, again.