Mark Stoops contract: How much does Kentucky coach make in 2024?

Mark Stoops has been in charge of Kentucky since 2013. He left his role as the defensive coordinator of Florida State to be the Wildcats head coach. Since then, he's been able to make significant improvements in the program, recording seven winning seasons in 11.

After leading the Wildcats to a 10-3 season in 2021, including a Citrus Bowl win, Stoops was rewarded with a new contract by Kentucky in 2022. Here's a look at the contract details.

Mark Stoops' contract details

Mark Stoops inked an extension deal worth $68.8 million in 2022, the biggest by a coach in the history of Kentucky football. The deal keeps the coach in Lexington until June 2031.

Stoops is set to earn $8.6 million in 2024. As per ESPN, the new Kentucky contract effectively increased his annual pay from the $6.35 million he was due to earn that season. The salary, which made Stoops among the top-paid college football coaches, also reportedly comes along with a lot of eye-catching incentives.

The new agreement replaces the previous extension signed in December 2021, which was set to run through June 2028. The new deal removes the clause that automatically extended Mark Stoops' contract by one year if Kentucky won seven games and by two years for 10 wins.

“This is my home. This is a place I've helped build to this point. We have built it to this point," Stoops said after signing the extension. "Do we want more? Yes, I think we want to continue to grow. Dr. Capilouto expects more, Mitch expects more, and I do.

"I want to continue to build, continue to have the continuity and I want to improve. There are a lot of people who would like to have the stability we've had, and there are a lot of people who, much like us, would be driven to compete at higher levels as well."

Mark Stoop contract bonuses

Mark Stoop’s contract extension with Kentucky reportedly includes several performance-based bonuses. This significantly increases the overall value of the contract, making it more lucrative.

As per ESPN, if the Wildcats make the College Football Playoff within the duration of the new deal, Stoops earns a $500,000 bonus. This increases to $650,000 if they reach the national championship game and $800,000 for winning it.

Additionally, Stoops receives a $100,000 in bonus for every season in which he secures bowl qualification. This increases to $150,000 if he ends the season with at least eight wins.

It worth noting that the contract increases Mark Stoops's buyout from $1.75 million to $4.5 million. This decreases by $500,000 annually.