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Eight Coaching Candidates for Kentucky Football Coaching Search After Mark Stoops Firing

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Eight Coaching Candidates for Kentucky Football Coaching Search After Mark Stoops Firing


An incredible day of coaching turnover in the SEC on Sunday just needed one last nightcap. 

Given that Kentucky is going to pay Mark Stoops $37 million within 60 days to vacate the Wildcats head coach’s office, it might wind up being a double of bourbon to end the day, too. 

Stoops became the sixth coach in the league to get shown the door this season and perhaps the most surprising in terms of both timing and the amount the school is putting up to make a change, a fitting reminder of which league really keeps affirming it just means more. 

The veteran coach took the program to modern-day heights and redefined what it means to have a great job given the manageable expectations around the commonwealth, but backslid considerably the last two years. Stoops finished with a 72–80 mark across a remarkable 13 seasons, which included a pair of double-digit winning campaigns and a streak of eight consecutive bowl games at a school not accustomed to that kind of success. 

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Yet, Saturday’s 41–0 shutout by rival Louisville seemed to signal the cost was going to be swallowed and a need for a reset. Curiously, Kentucky fired Stoops so late in the process that it cost them a chance to bring home beloved alum Jon Sumrall as the replacement and will force the Wildcats to face off against him for the next several years as an SEC rival.

The good news is this should still be an attractive job to plenty of candidates. It’s in a Power 2 league with resources available, an underrated fan base and a good location to get talent. The next coach will have to fight off basketball and a few other Olympic sports for revenue sharing and NIL funds, but there’s a pathway to success and a modest bar everybody is fine with clearing.

Who could Kentucky turn to? Here are eight candidates who could be a great fit in Lexington, Ky.

Is it possible for the Wildcats to hire a former Louisville player? We’ll find out as the 36-year-old former Cardinals quarterback and assistant is going to be the hot name to watch given his connections around the state. He also has an impressive résumé, which includes tutoring a string of first-round signal-callers while helping the Ducks make back-to-back playoff appearances. 

Hartline has spent his entire college career with the Buckeyes but has been on the radar to become a head coach for a while now given his incredible track record at recruiting and developing receivers. His alma mater isn’t coming open anytime soon and Kentucky would allow him a big opportunity in the SEC while also being a place that could really use all those local Ohio ties that became the fuel for some of the Wildcats’ greatest recent successes. 

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Schumann’s name will get connected to every SEC opening given how embedded he’s been in the conference and another CFP run under Kirby Smart won’t slow that down. He’s just 35 so would be a dose of fresh energy compared to the Stoops era while also keeping some of the hard-nosed elements that will appeal to the Kentucky ethos. 

Campbell grew up across the border in Ohio and has coached around the Midwest most of his career to turn into one of the best around in terms of winning at places where that isn’t easy to do. Kentucky might be just far enough north to offer up the chance to coach in the SEC while still being within his wheelhouse. Campbell has been with the Cyclones for a full decade now and would find the chance to put down the same kind of roots in Lexington without overbearing pressure appealing.

Fleck is not everybody’s cup of tea, but he’d be a 180-degree turn from Stoops. He’s just 45 despite all his years of experience at Western Michigan and in the Twin Cities. He has been remarkably consistent at one of the tougher jobs in the power conferences. He’s about to take the Gophers to their seventh straight bowl game (aside from the COVID season) and could seamlessly fit with Kentucky’s job profile. 

Mullen has years upon years of SEC experience under his belt and he won big at Mississippi State, which is a tougher job than even Kentucky. He reaffirmed his coaching chops in leading UNLV to a 10-win season and appearance in the Mountain West title game. He should be an early call. 

Parker grew up in eastern Kentucky, played for the Wildcats and was a GA at the school. He has done a fantastic job in taking the Trojans to the Sun Belt title game this season and would be one of the top options if the Wildcats wanted extensive familiarity with the program.

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Rahne has steadily improved the Monarchs each season and won nine games in this one. He’s worked for some notable head coaches like Bill Snyder and James Franklin, plus knows the SEC from helping lead Vanderbilt to impressive success several years ago. He’s got an offensive background but his teams play hard and could be a quality option despite his overall record.

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Kentucky Lottery Cash Ball, Pick 3 Evening winning numbers for June 25, 2026

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Kentucky Lottery Cash Ball, Pick 3 Evening winning numbers for June 25, 2026


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The Kentucky Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at Thursday, June 25, 2026 winning numbers for each game.

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Cash Ball

02-08-24-32, Cash Ball: 09

Check Cash Ball payouts and previous drawings here.

Pick 3

Evening: 6-3-0

Midday: 9-6-0

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

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Pick 4

Evening: 5-7-6-0

Midday: 5-2-6-6

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Millionaire for Life

03-13-14-34-45, Bonus: 01

Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.

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Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Courier Journal digital producer. You can send feedback using this form.



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Takeaways from Kentucky’s home and away SEC schedule for next season

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Takeaways from Kentucky’s home and away SEC schedule for next season


On Thursday, Kentucky’s home and away SEC opponents for the 2026-27 season were revealed and on top of learning the three opponents who they will play twice, there are some very intriguing matchups. In conference play, Kentucky will face six teams who are among the top 25 in many preseason rankings.

In SEC play, Kentucky will play Tennessee, Vandy and Ole Miss all both home and away. The home matchups include Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, LSU, Ole Miss, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas A&M and Vandy. As for the road tilts, the Wildcats will face Florida, Georgia, Mississippi State, Missouri, Ole Miss, Oklahoma, Texas, Tennessee and Vandy. Let’s take a look at some interesting developments from the schedule release.

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Jan 24, 2026; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope claps after a possession during the second half against the Mississippi Rebels at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images | Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

John Calipari returns to Rupp Arena (again)

In Calipari’s first year with Arkansas, he got the best of Kentucky when he came into Rupp Arena and left with a 10-point victory, a game where you could really feel the tension all game long in the building from Kentucky fans, which translated onto the court with the players. Last season, it was Kentucky who shocked everyone when they stole one on the road against a top 20 Arkansas team after a rough up-and-down season up to that point. Now, the two will face off again as Kentucky will look to get the win in Rupp and make sure Calipari doesn’t get two in a row in the building. It’ll be another highly-anticipated showdown.

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Jan 31, 2026; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope shakes hands with Arkansas Razorbacks head coach John Calipari prior to the game at Bud Walton Arena. Kentucky won 85-77. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images | Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

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Kentucky hits the road at Texas

This is shaping up to be a major challenge for Kentucky next season and may even end up being one of the biggest games of the season. Texas is seen by many as a clear top 10 team, with some even having them within the top five and when you combine that with the fact that the game is on the road, the Wildcats will have their hands full. The Wildcats fell to the longhorns in the 2024-25 season, and it’ll be a much stiffer challenge this time.

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Feb 15, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope argues with an official during the second half against the Texas Longhorns at Moody Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images | Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Which game could be a trap?

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We don’t have the game-by-game dates yet, so it’s hard to say with a lot of confidence, but opponent-wise, Georgia could really give Kentucky fits. In Pope’s first year, his team struggled handling the physicality of the Bulldogs and now, they’ve retained one of their best guards for another year and have added physicality through the portal. Mike White’s teams love to make opponents uncomfortable and they could do that once again down in Athens. Another sneaky team to watch is Oklahoma, who will have very good guard play. Kentucky will face both teams on the road.

Overall, it’s a pretty fair SEC schedule for a Kentucky team who has the capability of a return to being atop the conference once again. Mark Pope has such a system-fit squad and he can do some damage in the SEC.

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Can you set off fireworks in Kentucky? See laws ahead of Fourth of July

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Can you set off fireworks in Kentucky? See laws ahead of Fourth of July


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  • Kentucky state law permits fireworks use unless prohibited by local ordinances.
  • In Louisville and Jefferson County, larger display fireworks are illegal, but smaller items like sparklers are allowed.
  • Certain fireworks are banned in Louisville if their labels include words like “explosive,” “rocket,” or “firecracker.”
  • Safety officials advise keeping water nearby, not relighting “dud” fireworks, and never allowing children to ignite them.

Fourth of July is almost here, and Kentuckians are getting ready to light up the sky.

Before you plan your fireworks celebrations, it’s important to know what is and isn’t allowed under Kentucky law. Here’s what to know about fireworks laws and safety tips in the Bluegrass State ahead of Independence Day.

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Can you set off fireworks in Kentucky?

Yes. As long as you live in a place where local ordinances don’t prohibit it, according to the Kentucky State Fire Marshal’s website.

Are fireworks legal in Louisville?

In Louisville or Jefferson County, larger display fireworks are not legal due to a local law. Some consumer products that don’t leave the ground, such as sparklers, are allowed.

If the cautionary label on the firework has the words “explosive,” “emits flaming pellets,” “flaming balls,” “firecracker,” “report” or “rocket,” it is automatically a no-go, according to the Louisville-Jefferson County Code of Ordinances.

But, smaller ones like sparklers, cylindrical or cone fountains, wheels and ground spinners are legal. Still, don’t let the size fool you − they can burn up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

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Learn more: Check out these 4th of July events taking place across Kentucky

How to use fireworks safely

The state fire marshal suggests following the following advice when using fireworks:

  • Use fireworks outdoors.
  • Obey local laws.
  • Keep a bucket of water or a working water hose nearby.
  • Use fireworks as intended and avoid altering them or combining them.
  • Never relight “dud” fireworks. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
  • Spectators should keep a safe distance from the person lighting the firework (the individual lighting it should wear safety glasses).
  • Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a “designated adult operator.”
  • Do not use homemade fireworks or illegal explosives.
  • Report illegal explosives to the fire or police department in your community.
  • Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.
  • Read and follow all instructions on the label.

Former Courier Journal reporter Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez contributed. Reach Marina Johnson at Marina.Johnson@courier-journal.com.



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