I remember when Stoops was hired ...

[Bluesbrother]

... and Barnhart was getting some blowback from the fans, Barnhart said that "no coach wants to coach here", implying Stoops was the best we should hope for. If that isn't a loser's mentality, I've never heard it. Barnhart is unwilling to put in the hard work to fix this program. He's currently on his glidepath into retirement. The problem, IMO, starts in the AD's office. Finding the right coach for UK will take some work but that coach is out there, looking for an opportunity. IMO, the answer isn't some retread former coach with a recognizable name looking for an easy payday, which is where Barnhart always looks first. Stoops had a little run at UK but has reached his level of incompetence, while being paid far too much money. As we found out last year, he doesn't want to be here and is perfectly willing to chase other opportunities, after UK has been so good to him.

 

[Coach Marrow]

Stoops with Neal Brown at OC was great at the time

 

[CaptainBoogerBuns]

... and Barnhart was getting some blowback from the fans, Barnhart said that "no coach wants to coach here", implying Stoops was the best we should hope for. If that isn't a loser's mentality, I've never heard it. Barnhart is unwilling to put in the hard work to fix this program. He's currently on his glidepath into retirement. The problem, IMO, starts in the AD's office. Finding the right coach for UK will take some work but that coach is out there, looking for an opportunity. IMO, the answer isn't some retread former coach with a recognizable name looking for an easy payday, which is where Barnhart always looks first. Stoops had a little run at UK but has reached his level of incompetence, while being paid far too much money. As we found out last year, he doesn't want to be here and is perfectly willing to chase other opportunities, after UK has been so good to him.

I’m very worried about the AD search when it begins. The new AD HAS to be football focused.

 

[Bluesbrother]

I’m very worried about the AD search when it begins. The new AD HAS to be football focused.

I agree. The BOT should be intimately involved and probably should convene a committee consisting of former players and alumni that truly care about the football program.

 

[Boz]

I agree. The BOT should be intimately involved and probably should convene a committee consisting of former players and alumni that truly care about the football program.

Mitch had an alumni committee lead by Tim Couch that consulted with him. The committee chose Stoops.

 

[Bluesbrother]

Mitch had an alumni committee lead by Tim Couch that consulted with him. The committee chose Stoops.

I suppose we now know who NOT to use this time around. I still find it interesting that they hire Stoops who had no head coaching experience. To me, it sounds like they were more interested in hiring the name instead of the man. Regardless, I think we all know those involved in the hire then cannot be involved in the next hire. Probably best to start with a new AD, honestly.

 

[RunninRichie]

... and Barnhart was getting some blowback from the fans, Barnhart said that "no coach wants to coach here", implying Stoops was the best we should hope for. If that isn't a loser's mentality, I've never heard it. Barnhart is unwilling to put in the hard work to fix this program. He's currently on his glidepath into retirement. The problem, IMO, starts in the AD's office. Finding the right coach for UK will take some work but that coach is out there, looking for an opportunity. IMO, the answer isn't some retread former coach with a recognizable name looking for an easy payday, which is where Barnhart always looks first. Stoops had a little run at UK but has reached his level of incompetence, while being paid far too much money. As we found out last year, he doesn't want to be here and is perfectly willing to chase other opportunities, after UK has been so good to him.

The coach for UK is in New Orleans, LA.

 

[KYExtemper]

Barnhart said that "no coach wants to coach here",

Which is such a dumb statement. I think if we'd ever made a play for Mike Leach he would've come in a heartbeat.

 

[Bluesbrother]

The coach for UK is in New Orleans, LA.

Name?

 

[Crystalglass]

So now we’re going from “Stoops’ time has went”, which is true and I think everyone agrees, to “The coach who got us 10 wins twice and brought us back from Vandy levels of ineptitude actually never should have been hired at all and sucked from the get-go.”

Get some perspective, people

 

[RunninRichie]

Name?

Jon Sumrall.

 

[bigblueinsanity]

Stoops was a great hire at the time. A coaching family legacy who literally walked away from a team about to win a national title to coach a team literally noone wanted. Especially after mitch let butch davis string him along and use us to get the ut job for higher pay.

All that said, as frustrated as we all are with what we saw last week, some fans need to step away from the ledge to an extent. Our schedule is insane. We'd have to be a legit top 10 team to have the record fans wanted before start of the season. Even a very good uk team would hope for 7-8 wins with this schedule.

All that said, there is a very real conversation needed after the season. We have the defense we can win with. There really needs to be something done with the offense and the consistent annual one game meltdown where we look lost all game.

That conversation needs had not because stoops is a bad coach, but because all the schools we play (except Florida) upgraded their coaching and passed us up. If stoops cant get some high level consistency at oc, we need to consider exploring other options.

 

[RunninRichie]

Stoops was a great hire at the time. A coaching family legacy who literally walked away from a team about to win a national title to coach a team literally noone wanted. Especially after mitch let butch davis string him along and use us to get the ut job for higher pay.

All that said, as frustrated as we all are with what we saw last week, some fans need to step away from the ledge to an extent. Our schedule is insane. We'd have to be a legit top 10 team to have the record fans wanted before start of the season. Even a very good uk team would hope for 7-8 wins with this schedule.

All that said, there is a very real conversation needed after the season. We have the defense we can win with. There really needs to be something done with the offense and the consistent annual one game meltdown where we look lost all game.

That conversation needs had not because stoops is a bad coach, but because all the schools we play (except Florida) upgraded their coaching and passed us up. If stoops cant get some high level consistency at oc, we need to consider exploring other options.

Gotta hire Sumrall.

 

[bballcat4]

Barnhart is unwilling to put in the hard work to fix this program.

Ky Football has just experienced our best 6-7 year run that we’ve had in the last 50 years!!! Couple perspectives that are both correct.

1) Stoops has done a very good (not great) job since taking over. The fact this is our best 6 year run speaks to how sad our football program has historically been over the last 50 years..

I give Stoops and our AD credit for bringing us to the point of being disappointed with just getting to a bowl game.

2) Stoops is the perfect coach for building a foundation and stability. I’ll always respect him and give him credit for getting UK football to a place that many football experts said was not possible! Consequently, is he a coach that can get us to the next level? I honestly don’t know that answer. We know SEC (even more so with new additions) is going to be tough.

Stoops’ preferred style is perfect for 6-7 win season with inferior talent. (Control the clock and play good defense.) Everyone was screaming for a more pro style offense a few years ago so we could attract better skilled players and QB. To Stoops’ credit, he decided to go for broke and open up the offense. It worked well the first year with Levis. (We took a lot of shot plays that came off of play action and max protection.) However we still struggled in the intermediate passing game for many reasons. (Topic for another post.)

I heard an NFL coach once describe the difference between good OL who excelled in pass protection vs run blocking. He stated, “Many OL are great road graders in the running game but struggle in pass protection.”

We previously built an offense around an OL that became excellent “road graders” then took deep shots with max protection.

We simply don’t have enough skilled OL for a pro style offense. Maybe Hamdan schemes up a quick passing game that balances the running game while adding ina few deep threats. This will require putting BV in the shotgun so he can see the field faster and get rid of ball faster.

I give Stoops credit for getting us where we’re at. (We’re a much better program.) I don’t know if he can get us/keep us in the upper half of SEC.

 

[bigblueinsanity]

Gotta hire Sumrall.

I would be good with that, if we can make it happen. I do think hes going to be courted by bigger schools and soon. Bad new is his background is in defense which is great, but we're always short on offense especially offensive continuity.

I know im probably the biggest gran stan on the board, but thats why fans turning on him was so bad. He was flexible enough to take whatever talent we had and win alot of games by UK standards all while dealing with a talent deficiency.

Also there is a recruiting gap. I know summrall by star average was a better recruiter than marrow but that tells only part of the story. Vince and stoops are incredible at early identification and building a wide network. That isnt easily replaced.

So im good with hiring him and he is likely an upgrade but he isnt going to be the cure-all some expect.

 

[gojvc]

So now we’re going from “Stoops’ time has went”, which is true and I think everyone agrees, to “The coach who got us 10 wins twice and brought us back from Vandy levels of ineptitude actually never should have been hired at all and sucked from the get-go.”

Get some perspective, people

For sure. Maybe it’s run its course but the Mark Stoops hire is probably his greatest success as AD.

 

[K_TIME]

1. I had no problem with the Stoops hire 12 years ago. He was DC for the national champs...and their defense was a big part of winning it all at FSU.
2. Stoops had a family name to add to this resume
3. UK was a bottom 2 job along with Vandy in SEC at that time.....

So our only alternative would have been a failed head coach trying to rebound, a head coach of a smaller conference (ala Mumme) or top notch assistant looking for a head coach gig.....so we chose the later option and took that gamble. But UK was never going to lure a top notch coach from a higher program....that was always all talk

And Stoops was fine early on and hit great in year 5.....Stoops has continually upgraded the talent level at UK....Stoops built a path to Ohio kids playing here vs. Big 10 besides Ohio St.

It's not a bad decision if we ultimately have to move on from Stoops. And the only negative I'll give Mitch is he needed to raise the expectations for Stoops the more money he gave to Stoops. But the data is Stoops contract never raised expectations.....jsut gave him more money. And after Stoops left for Texas AM....Mitch doubles down on being too soft but just letting him come on back with no loss of contractual obligation to Stoops. But Mitch is notorious for stuff like this....Cal's lifetime contract nonsense, etc...

So that alone, may warrant a new AD to do the next hire in football.

 

[megablue]

Stoops with Neal Brown at OC was great at the time

Stoops, like Mumme, Gillispie and Pope, all received exponential raises to come here to coach. Of course, they're going to say all the right things coming in and during the honeymoon period. It's a perfectly natural thing to do. Over time, it becomes apparent whether they were good hires, or not. It's that way everywhere, not just here. Nothing's a lock ... GO CATS !!!

 

[YardCat]

I was hoping it was the Oklahoma Stoops when it was announced. But, we get the angry brother.

 

[blubo]

spurrier speaks truth even if he is a uk hater

Steve Spurrier says Kentucky had ‘bad game coaching plan’ in ’embarrassing’ loss to South Carolina​

MSN

 

[WildcatofNati2]

I was hoping it was the Oklahoma Stoops when it was announced. But, we get the angry brother.

Yeah, I couldn't believe Bob Stoops didn't leave blueblood Oklahoma to coach a 2 and 10 UK team, myself.

 

[EKCAT4YRS]

I wasn't sure about Stoops his first several years, who was but it turned out that he was an outstanding hire! Brought the program a long way but going forward idk, doesn't look good but his best work has been when his back was to the wall. And that even as recently as the UL game last year! I am hoping he surprises everyone and turns it around!

 

[bigblueinsanity]

spurrier speaks truth even if he is a uk hater

Steve Spurrier says Kentucky had ‘bad game coaching plan’ in ’embarrassing’ loss to South Carolina​

MSN

I can listen to criticism from alot of people but not spurrier. Even though hes right, he should probably stay quiet since uk was the team that put him out to pasture.

 

[blubo]

i have to admit, even though i witnessed the uk/uf debacles, i always admired his balls to the wall, give no quarter coaching. would love to have a spurrier clone at uk. sorry but not sorry, i always admired him.

 

[Dddjdd]

1. I had no problem with the Stoops hire 12 years ago. He was DC for the national champs...and their defense was a big part of winning it all at FSU.
2. Stoops had a family name to add to this resume
3. UK was a bottom 2 job along with Vandy in SEC at that time.....

So our only alternative would have been a failed head coach trying to rebound, a head coach of a smaller conference (ala Mumme) or top notch assistant looking for a head coach gig.....so we chose the later option and took that gamble. But UK was never going to lure a top notch coach from a higher program....that was always all talk

And Stoops was fine early on and hit great in year 5.....Stoops has continually upgraded the talent level at UK....Stoops built a path to Ohio kids playing here vs. Big 10 besides Ohio St.

It's not a bad decision if we ultimately have to move on from Stoops. And the only negative I'll give Mitch is he needed to raise the expectations for Stoops the more money he gave to Stoops. But the data is Stoops contract never raised expectations.....jsut gave him more money. And after Stoops left for Texas AM....Mitch doubles down on being too soft but just letting him come on back with no loss of contractual obligation to Stoops. But Mitch is notorious for stuff like this....Cal's lifetime contract nonsense, etc...

So that alone, may warrant a new AD to do the next hire in football.

I think FSU won it after Stoops was here. Maybe his first year here.

 

[BigBlue1992]

Some people need to realize Stoops isn’t gonna recover.

As far as his time at UK stab a fork in him, he’s done. I’m not sure why some fans are still eager to see how this plays out. The dude was just sitting on the podium the other day talking about how scared he is of the upcoming schedule. There is zero reasons why a top ten paid coach should be talking like that.

His time here has been very overrated. I see posts about how when he got here we were the worst team in the SEC besides Vandy blah blah blah. Newsflash.. it ain’t much different now! If we play like we did against South Carolina we won’t beat any SEC team.

I posted these numbers the other day. In his time here we are 2-28 against winning teams in the SEC and have lost 8 of our last 10 SEC home games.

How is this man still getting more leverage from our fans and more money and contract extensions from the university?

 

[bthaunert]

I suppose we now know who NOT to use this time around. I still find it interesting that they hire Stoops who had no head coaching experience. To me, it sounds like they were more interested in hiring the name instead of the man. Regardless, I think we all know those involved in the hire then cannot be involved in the next hire. Probably best to start with a new AD, honestly.

There are quite a few guys who have zero head coaching experience who are successful. There is no magic formula to hiring a new coach…just ask programs like Florida, Tennessee and Alabama who went through stretches of bad hiring. 2 of the 3 best coaches over the last 10 years had zero head coaching experience when they were hired and they have won.

 

[bballcat4]

I can listen to criticism from alot of people but not spurrier. Even though hes right, he should probably stay quiet since uk was the team that put him out to pasture.

Midseason … He just walked away.

However, I do think Hamdan took some things for granted Sat and didn’t make any major adjustments.

Eddie Gran took a lot heat, but he knew how to adjust his plan to both the game and his talent.

 

[KYExtemper]

I give Stoops credit for getting us where we’re at. (We’re a much better program.) I don’t know if he can get us/keep us in the upper half of SEC.

This is the reasonable take that I agree with. Back when making a bowl was amazing, Stoops' run has been fun. However, the college football landscape is quickly changing to playoff or bust. And I don't think he can get us in that conversation unless he overhauls some of his philosophy.

 

[STL_Cat]

... and Barnhart was getting some blowback from the fans, Barnhart said that "no coach wants to coach here", implying Stoops was the best we should hope for. If that isn't a loser's mentality, I've never heard it. Barnhart is unwilling to put in the hard work to fix this program. He's currently on his glidepath into retirement. The problem, IMO, starts in the AD's office. Finding the right coach for UK will take some work but that coach is out there, looking for an opportunity. IMO, the answer isn't some retread former coach with a recognizable name looking for an easy payday, which is where Barnhart always looks first. Stoops had a little run at UK but has reached his level of incompetence, while being paid far too much money. As we found out last year, he doesn't want to be here and is perfectly willing to chase other opportunities, after UK has been so good to him.

a.) Where did Barnhart say "no coach wants to coach here?" Would love to see this actual quote
b.) In spite of everything you said above, Mark Stoops is the best football coach Kentucky has had in my lifetime and I am 44 years old. So I'd say overall it was a good hire.

 

[TucsonCat]

I suppose we now know who NOT to use this time around. I still find it interesting that they hire Stoops who had no head coaching experience. To me, it sounds like they were more interested in hiring the name instead of the man.

What an extremely ignorant statement.

"Duh, they only hired the coordinator of the number one defense in America because his name is Stoops. I wipe my ass with my hand"

 

[WildcatofNati2]

a.) Where did Barnhart say "no coach wants to coach here?" Would love to see this actual quote
b.) In spite of everything you said above, Mark Stoops is the best football coach Kentucky has had in my lifetime and I am 44 years old. So I'd say overall it was a good hire.

Correct, Barnhardt never said that, at least not publicly, and should have been fired if he did, and although it sucks if Stoops has indeed lost his edge, his overall tenure here has been very good, and, even at the time was considered a good hire by most analysts.

 

[STL_Cat]

Correct, Barnhardt never said that, at least not publicly, and should have been fired if he did, and although it sucks if Stoops has indeed lost his edge, his overall tenure here has been very good, and, even at the time was considered a good hire by most analysts.

Right. And I'm not even insisting that Stoops hasn't run his course or that he is going to recover here, but will never say he was a bad hire. Every coach has a shelf life.

 

[Kybluedude]

a.) Where did Barnhart say "no coach wants to coach here?" Would love to see this actual quote
b.) In spite of everything you said above, Mark Stoops is the best football coach Kentucky has had in my lifetime and I am 44 years old. So I'd say overall it was a good hire.

I’d be interested in seeing that Barnhart quote as well Bluesbrother.

Could you link it?

 

[bigblueinsanity]

What an extremely ignorant statement.

"Duh, they only hired the coordinator of the number one defense in America because his name is Stoops. I wipe my ass with my hand"

Not only his pedigree and championship defense that drove that team, he literally fell into our lap after mitch let butch davis lead him on. If stoops doesn't express interest in this job, talk about dark times. People around at the time remember he wasnt even on the radar and reached out to mitch.

That brings up another important issue about making a move - mitch made 3 football hires. Joker was awful. Rich brooks volunteered for the job after helping with the search that ended up empty. Stoops reached out after we were down to 0 prospects.

So hiring isnt exactly smooth under mitch. Two out of three ended up working out but both times he was recipient of good fortune.

 

[Bluesbrother]

a.) Where did Barnhart say "no coach wants to coach here?" Would love to see this actual quote
b.) In spite of everything you said above, Mark Stoops is the best football coach Kentucky has had in my lifetime and I am 44 years old. So I'd say overall it was a good hire.

You're still a young man and at least have a chance to see the UK program rise from the ashes. Demand better young man. Me, on the other hand, have seen my best years pass believing the clowns the UK AD office might get their shit together before I go cold. I have no faith that will happen while there are so many excuses available to the meek and mild who are running the show in Lexington.

 

[Cleatortoises]

You're still a young man and at least have a chance to see the UK program rise from the ashes. Demand better young man. Me, on the other hand, have seen my best years pass believing the clowns the UK AD office might get their shit together before I go cold. I have no faith that will happen while there are so many excuses available to the meek and mild who are running the show in Lexington.

A bit too dark.
Chest out, chin up.
Those scars won't kill you.
GBB!

 

[Crystalglass]

His time here has been very overrated. I see posts about how when he got here we were the worst team in the SEC besides Vandy blah blah blah. Newsflash.. it ain’t much different now! If we play like we did against South Carolina we won’t beat any SEC team.

I posted these numbers the other day. In his time here we are 2-28 against winning teams in the SEC and have lost 8 of our last 10 SEC home games.

If you truly think we’ve been close to the second worst team in the SEC since Stoops has been here then you’re not even paying attention.

 

[Bluesbrother]

A bit too dark.
Chest out, chin up.
Those scars won't kill you.
GBB!

I've had a hell of a good time going to many, many UK football games, Keeneland, parties over the years with many great memories. Thank goodness for Bloody Mary's and fine Bourbon on those Saturdays. The only thing missing was a few more wins on the gridiron. We've had some good wins but a few too many embarrassing losses that defy explanation. It's an SEC thing to want your program to earn respect from member schools. Used to listen to Leonard Post Toasties on gameday. Those were great times, except for the bad losses, not that any loss is good. I really don't expect to win every game, but I do dislike "how" we lost most of those games. It became the norm, and we all got used to it, we expect the losses. Once you sober up on Sundays as the decades pass, you look back with mixed emotion knowing it could have/should have all been different if the right attitudes and personnel were present. For the younger fans, demand excellence. You may not always get it but demand it anyway. Once you accept mediocrity, we will forever be who we are today.

 

[NoDef]

Stoops has done well here compared to some of the past coaches. I just don't see how you can justify paying Top 10 money to a coach that has only finished in the top 25 two or three times .