Success Stories?

[Crystalglass]

I’m absolutely not holding out hope that Stoops turns this around. However, I was trying to think back if an analogous situation has ever been turned around.

I’m talking total fan animosity, losing recruits, noticeable decline in on the field product, etc. but then the ship gets righted and the program at least stabilizes, if not ascends.

I honestly can’t think of a single example, but am open to any info.


I would exclude coaches in the first three or so years, since those bad situations early on are usually out of their control

 

[Lempface]

The fact that you can't think of even one, if any do exist, points to it being so highly unlikely of occurring that we must move on, now.

 

[merrimanm]

The reason you can't think of one is because there aren't many. Frank Beamer would be one. But, that said, it isn't that it can't be done. More likely it is because it is easier to just make a change. Any sign of trouble for coaches these days has people demanding they get fired and most administrators won't fight that battle.

 

[BeardedKatFan]

I know it doesn’t count but Billy Napier’s in season turnaround has been impressive this season.

 

[gojvc]

Iowa State was 4-8 two years ago and 10-2 this season. Doesn’t mean Stoops can do it but it’s possible at least.

 

[catben]

I know it doesn’t count but Billy Napier’s in season turnaround has been impressive this season.

Missouri last season is one I can recall. South Carolina also.

But in each of those cases, having a great QB made the difference.

Until Coach Stoops can get the QB position fixed, this program will remain stuck in mediocrity.

 

[Blouman]

Maybe if we put a statue of Stoops outside the stadium things
would magically improve.

 

[CapitolHillCat]

I was thinking about this too. Kirk Ferentz might be a decent comparison. Pat Fitzgerald might be another.

Mike Gundy at OK State or Phil Fulmer at Tennessee could also be comparable, just in terms of up and down seasons.

 

[billoliver40]

It can happen. Vandy, Mizzou, South Carolina...even the turn at Florida. Other teams have done it. The question is if this coach can do it. Hope he can. Don't see evidence he can, but looks like we have no choice.

 

[Rockfly78]

South Carolina is a good recent example. Missed bowl last year. Coach on the hot seat. Won 9 games this year. Look at Indiana as well. That team was built in a minute. It’s not an insane notion that stoops can turn this around quickly but we also need to see something good this off season. I mean, a lot of good because it doesn’t feel good right now.

 

[Crystalglass]

South Carolina is a good recent example. Missed bowl last year. Coach on the hot seat. Won 9 games this year. Look at Indiana as well. That team was built in a minute. It’s not an insane notion that stoops can turn this around quickly but we also need to see something good this off season. I mean, a lot of good because it doesn’t feel good right now.

There were some rumblings about Beamer, but I don’t the majority of the fanbase was ready to move on from him.

My question was has a completely toxic situation ever been salvaged by a coach with a decent amount of a tenure at one place?

 

[Rockfly78]

There were some rumblings about Beamer, but I don’t the majority of the fanbase was ready to move on from him.

My question was has a completely toxic situation ever been salvaged by a coach with a decent amount of a tenure at one place?

Ah. I'm not sure although I wonder about Brian Kelly's teams. That dude is the picture of toxic. He must have an amazing staff to keep the ship straight. I guess we will just have to see because I don't think stoops is going anywhere

 

[Eagles_Ball]

Here's my issue with all of it. I'm going to discount his first three seasons, back then it took that long "to get your guys" and get it all turned around. Since then, he's still 10 games under .500 in the SEC. His teams have finished ranked exactly two times. He's paid like an elite coach and the resources have certainly increased tenfold during his tenure. Some of that is due to Stoops, for sure. There was a time during that span where the trajectory of the program was trending up. But the last three seasons have absolutely killed that momentum. It has trended down, progressively, the last three seasons. This season it came crashing down. It's not "one bad season". And don't give me that crap of "eight straight bowls". That's absolutely meaningless in an era where half of the FBS teams make a bowl game. The problem with it all? The buyout. And those that want to ignore or dismiss it are just clueless. It is what it is, which is I'm sure what prompted this post. But man, it's pretty obvious we can't find any real evidence of someone cratering a program and also resurrecting the same program. And honestly, if UK isn't going to pay the buyout (and they're not) this season they're probably not going to pay it next season either (still at 80% of the remainder of the contract). So, unless something like Cal/Arky happens it looks like CMS and UK football are stuck with each other for 25 and 26. That's a huge gut punch.

 

[bthaunert]

Matt Campbell at Iowa State. He went 7-6, 4-8, 7-6 (look familiar) the 3 years prior to this year. They just went 10-2 and are playing with a shot at the CFP.

Kirk Ferentz is a good one and has done it a couple of times. After going 11-2, 10-3, 10-2, he went 7-5, 6-7, 6-6 and was on the hot seat, hen went to the Outback and Orange in back-to-back seasons, then had a strong of 7-6, 4-8, 8-5, 7-6 only to go 12-2 a year later.

Penn State fans wanted to get rid of James Franklin after he went 4-5 and 7-6 in his 7th and 8th seasons. He's had 11, 10 and 11 wins in the 3 years since.

There are definitely examples out there. The sample size is relatively small if you're not talking about the first few years and talking about guys that have been at their schools awhile.

 

[Chad Rock]

The reason you can't think of one is because there aren't many. Frank Beamer would be one. But, that said, it isn't that it can't be done. More likely it is because it is easier to just make a change. Any sign of trouble for coaches these days has people demanding they get fired and most administrators won't fight that battle.

Was thinking Beamer as well but he did his thing pre NIL and transfer portal. Unfortunately, UK is now in the position where the head coach doesn't like the new face of college football and having to do the NIL/TP thing. Also, the university can't find the $$$ to build its mercenary army like the rest of the $EC. So, we are twice # u ( % ed

 

[bthaunert]

Here's my issue with all of it. I'm going to discount his first three seasons, back then it took that long "to get your guys" and get it all turned around. Since then, he's still 10 games under .500 in the SEC. His teams have finished ranked exactly two times. He's paid like an elite coach and the resources have certainly increased tenfold during his tenure. Some of that is due to Stoops, for sure. There was a time during that span where the trajectory of the program was trending up. But the last three seasons have absolutely killed that momentum. It has trended down, progressively, the last three seasons. This season it came crashing down. It's not "one bad season". And don't give me that crap of "eight straight bowls". That's absolutely meaningless in an era where half of the FBS teams make a bowl game. The problem with it all? The buyout. And those that want to ignore or dismiss it are just clueless. It is what it is, which is I'm sure what prompted this post. But man, it's pretty obvious we can't find any real evidence of someone cratering a program and also resurrecting the same program. And honestly, if UK isn't going to pay the buyout (and they're not) this season they're probably not going to pay it next season either (still at 80% of the remainder of the contract). So, unless something like Cal/Arky happens it looks like CMS and UK football are stuck with each other for 25 and 26. That's a huge gut punch.

I believe that if things turn out next year how many of us feel they will (5-7 at best), Mitch will have no choice but to figure it out financially and cut him loose.

Not that I agree with bringing him back next year, but Mitch has a leg to stand on with this being his first losing season (non-COVID) since 2015, regardless of what we think of the down word trend of the program the last 3 years. After a second losing season in a row, he will have no choice imo.

I think we stand to lose about $5 million in revenue from attendance being down next year. A second losing season and bringing him back in 2026, and that number will increase to $8 - $10 million most likely. At that point, paying the buyout makes more sense for the future of the program.

 

[Eagles_Ball]

I believe that if things turn out next year how many of us feel they will (5-7 at best), Mitch will have no choice but to figure it out financially and cut him loose.

Not that I agree with bringing him back next year, but Mitch has a leg to stand on with this being his first losing season (non-COVID) since 2015, regardless of what we think of the down word trend of the program the last 3 years. After a second losing season in a row, he will have no choice imo.

I think we stand to lose about $5 million in revenue from attendance being down next year. A second losing season and bringing him back in 2026, and that number will increase to $8 - $10 million most likely. At that point, paying the buyout makes more sense for the future of the program.

"First losing season" carries about as much weight as "eight straight bowl games" does. I don't disagree with anything you said, btw. But when you schedule at least three gimmie games, not getting to 6-6 or 7-5 is pretty pathetic. IMHO, it's just a super antiquated way of looking at it. I get this is Mitch's stance and not yours, for the record. It's Mitch's way of trying to save face on the horrid contract. Think of how AWFUL Mitch would look TODAY if Arky hadn't have bailed him out. Mitch should get absolutely ZERO credit for Cal's departure. Cal's arrogance and Arky's stupidity just created dumb luck for Mitch. Ultimately this is on Mitch. And if it doesn't fix itself, Mitch should "retire" as well. Save for some arrogance and stupidity, he'd look like the worst major P4 AD in the country right about now.