After a brief but heavy flirtation with Texas A&M, Mark Stoops will return for his 12th season at Kentucky and has started making preparations for 2024. That work begins with his staff: Stoops has dismissed one assistant, and extended four others.
As detailed by the Lexington Herald-Leader, Stoops extended three coaches whose deals were set to expire, plus one other whose was not.
Offensive line coach, working on an expiring deal, has signed a 1-year contract worth $650,000.
Linebackers coach Mike Stoops inked a 2-year extension. He'll earn $675,000 in 2024 and $700,000 in 2025.
Safeties coach Frank Buffano signed a 2-year extension worth $415,000 in 2024 and $440,000 in '25.
Defensive line coach Anwar Stewart had an outstanding season in his head coach's eyes. The Wildcats D-line coach was not on an expiring contract but he got a 2-year extension anyway, with a massive raise from $375,000 in 2023 to $500,000 in '24. He'll make $525,000 in 2025.
Stoops signed an extension last November that pays him $8.6 million a year. He did not receive a raise or extension for returning to the bluegrass after his dalliance with the Aggies.
2024 Kentucky Staff Salaries
Mark Stoops, head coach: $8.6 million
Liam Coen, offensive coordinator/QBs: $1.6 million
Brad White, defensive coordinator/OLBs: $1.3 million
Vince Marrow, associate head coach/TEs/recruiting coordinator: $1.3 million
Mike Stoops, linebackers: $675,000
Zach Yenser, offensive line: $650,000
Jay Boulware, special teams/running backs: $550,000
Anwar Stewart, defensive line: $500,000
Frank Buffano, safeties: $415,000
Chris Collins, cornerbacks: $400,000
wide receivers: TBD
Kentucky is also on the hook for $1.1 million to former offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello through June 2025, offset by his earnings at any future job.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.