The 2025 faculty soccer season does not begin for one more two months, however Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Stoops has already suffered a significant loss.
On Monday, Kentucky affiliate head coach Vince Marrow left this system after 12 seasons for the in-state rival Louisville Cardinals, persevering with the Wildcats’ current downward development beneath Stoops.
Marrow’s position at Kentucky cannot be understated. He was an instrumental member of the employees that led the most effective prolonged runs in program historical past, together with two of the 4 Wildcats’ 10-win seasons and 4 consecutive bowl wins (2018-21), a program file.
A member of Stoops’ first employees in 2013, Marrow played a pivotal role within the crew’s recruiting, together with a powerful 2014 class that helped spur this system’s turnaround after six consecutive dropping seasons.
“Vince has been an vital a part of the expansion of our program,” Stoops mentioned when announcing a 2015 contract extension.
Marrow acquired one other extension earlier than the 2024 season that was set to final by way of 2026, value $1.3 million yearly. The Courier Journal noted that the deal made him the second-highest paid assistant on Kentucky’s employees, trailing defensive coordinator Brad White ($1.7 million).
Marrow had beforehand been linked to Louisville however reiterated his dedication to Kentucky in early December, telling Kentucky Sports activities Radio, “There isn’t any doubt in my thoughts that we will get this factor proper.”
His departure is an indictment of the course Kentucky is headed. In 2024, it went 4-8, its worst file since 2013. Issues may not enhance as Kentucky, already often known as a basketball powerhouse, continues to prioritize the hardwood.
Just lately, the Wildcats reportedly led a push in opposition to placing a cap on how a lot groups can spend on rosters, relying on the game, in preparation for the Home settlement, the just lately authorized landmark case in opposition to the NCAA that enables colleges to straight pay student-athletes, with the intention of investing closely of their basketball roster.
Kentucky has fallen behind its SEC friends in current seasons on the gridiron, and dropping Marrow will not get it any nearer to a revival. As an alternative, it solely makes Stoops’ job tougher forward of a season wherein his future may very well be at stake.
