Their 11th-place finish and play-off defeat in 2020–21 meant it was their first season in the Championship and their first in the second tier of Scottish football since 1992–93.

Tommy Wright made 14 permanent summer signings as he approached his first full season as Kilmarnock manager.

Following an upturn in form, Kilmarnock climbed the table and earned promotion back to the Premiership at the first time of asking after claiming the league title following a 2–1 comeback win against nearest challengers Arbroath in their penultimate match.

[1] In the League Cup, Kilmarnock were drawn in Group G alongside East Kilbride, Clyde, Greenock Morton and Stranraer.

[2] On 18 December 2021, Tommy Wright was sacked from his position as manager with the club slipping to fourth in the championship table.