Know Your Stoops
Mark Stoops (90BGS) credits the University of Iowa—specifically legendary coach Hayden Fry —for much of what he's accomplished as head football coach at the University of Kentucky. He just doesn't want you to see his Hawkeye game film.
"I might have to break out a few for the players to give them a few laughs during bowl practice," says Mark, whose Wildcats face Iowa in the Vrbo Citrus Bowl on New Year's Day. "I was not very impressive as a player—that's for sure. I loved my time there—did the best I could."
The bowl game will be the first time Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz has faced off against Mark Stoops. Ferentz has previously coached against his two older brothers—Bob Stoops (83BBA) in the 2011 Insight Bowl and Mike Stoops (87BGS) during two regular season games at Arizona. The Stoops' oldest brother, Ron Stoops Jr., was a high school and college assistant football coach.
The Stoops family may be one of the most well-known Hawkeye football families. Here's a little more about each Stoops brother.
Bob Stoops in the 1982 Hawkeye football team photo
PHOTO: HAWKEYESPORTS.COM
Bob Stoops
Interim Head Coach, Oklahoma
Fox College Football Studio Analyst
Playing Career: Four-year starter, All-Big Ten selection at defensive back, and Iowa team MVP in 1982
Coaching Record: 190–48
Coaching Accomplishments: 2000 national championship
Other Notables: Inducted into the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame in 2021
Mike Stoops in the 1984 Hawkeye football team photo
PHOTO: HAWKEYESPORTS.COM
Mike Stoops
Defensive Coordinator, Florida Atlantic
Playing Career: Three-year letter winner and first team, All-Big Ten in 1983 and 1984 at defensive back
Coaching Record: 41–50 during eight seasons at Arizona
Coaching Accomplishments: Three bowl appearances with the Wildcats
Other Notables: Served as analyst for Alabama during 2020 national championship season
Mark Stoops in the 1988 Hawkeye football team photo
PHOTO: HAWKEYESPORTS.COM
Mark Stoops
Head Coach, Kentucky
Playing Career: Three-year letter winner for the Hawkeyes at safety
Coaching Record: 58–53
Coaching Accomplishments: Six straight bowl appearances
Other Notables: Graduate assistant coach for 1990 Big Ten title team that played in the Rose Bowl