List of (realistic) coaches to replace Stoops.

[maysvilleky]

I hope whoever UK gets realizes 2 things:
1) UK CANNOT play smashmouth football in the SEC. UK just doesn't get enough SEC depth no matter who the Coach is. We need a scheme that is different from the typical SEC team. I don't care if it's the triple option, air raid, etc.
2) UK needs to dump UofL off the schedule and put in 4 patsy wins until UK can consistently win 6 games. Lack of bowl games is absolutely killing the program. UK isn't going to get above 3 - 4 wins in the SEC until they start winning and have an attitude they can win in the SEC.

 

[Grumpyolddawg]

Tubberville or Houston Nutt. These guys know what it takes to win in the SEC. Nutt was let go but he did have some success at Arkansas. Also James Franklin would be a good choice. Bottomline all of these guys worked in the SEC and know the ins/outs of what it takes to be competitive in this league.

I don't think you want Nutt, at one time he has some success, that was when the East was the dominant division and the West was way down. maybe as bad as the East is now. He was awful at Ole Miss. Franklin would be an interesting hire, I thought he would have more of an impact at PSU than he has but that division of the Big10 is looking pretty tough right now with tOSU, Mich and Mich St. He hasn't shown much loyalty in his career, which means he would likely listen, but also mean he would always be likely to listen to someone else too.

 

[EliteBlue]

This could be a lot of fun. I like watching Georgia Tech a lot.

We can succeed this way with "system" recruiting. Although it would be an admission that we can never compete straight up in the SEC and have to turn to a "gimmick."

At one time the Air Raid and spread offenses were considered a gimmick and now it's the norm. Wins are wins.

 

[Father Torque_rivals16706]

This could be a lot of fun. I like watching Georgia Tech a lot.

We can succeed this way with "system" recruiting. Although it would be an admission that we can never compete straight up in the SEC and have to turn to a "gimmick."

I could get behind that. Ken Niumatalolo is a heckuva coach and it'd be a lot easier for us to recruit to that style of play.

 

[The Brooks]

Houston is a better job than us right now and if that coach wanted to leave he could grab a top 10 job or go to the nfl. We aren't getting him.
I'd like to add Western Michigan coach P.J. Fleck to the mix. Great recruiter with Midwest ties. Rebuilt that program. Ridiculously energetic.

I like the fleck idea a lot actually

 

[CatsCats78]

I hope whoever UK gets realizes 2 things:
1) UK CANNOT play smashmouth football in the SEC. UK just doesn't get enough SEC depth no matter who the Coach is. We need a scheme that is different from the typical SEC team. I don't care if it's the triple option, air raid, etc.
2) UK needs to dump UofL off the schedule and put in 4 patsy wins until UK can consistently win 6 games. Lack of bowl games is absolutely killing the program. UK isn't going to get above 3 - 4 wins in the SEC until they start winning and have an attitude they can win in the SEC.

We would never hear the end of it, but this is the way to go. Schedule 4 sure fire wins. Plus win 2 of S Car, Vandy, Mizzu, Miss St every year. Build up the program's confidence by going bowling every year and boost recruiting. Let's face it, the kids we need aren't going to come to 4-5 win a year program. Then when we feel more confident, slowly add on tougher OOC opponents (UL). Great post.

 

[JHB4UK]

2) UK needs to dump UofL off the schedule and put in 4 patsy wins until UK can consistently win 6 games. Lack of bowl games is absolutely killing the program. UK isn't going to get above 3 - 4 wins in the SEC until they start winning and have an attitude they can win in the SEC.

can't. SEC conference rules require every member to play 1 OOC game against another power 5 conference school. and name another P5 school who in comparison to UK is a 'patsy'. Kansas aint signing a home & home with us.

 

[BigBoyBlueMMA]

From the time Mitch has been AD he hasn't really cared about football, not until recently anyway. At the height of our success all our coach asked was for these upgrades to be made. Were they? Not until Brooks resigned in frustration, we hit rock bottom and the fans stopped showing up in mass. They could see they were going to lose a ton of money if something didnt change. And I think it only changed because Stoops started off so hot.

As far as Stoops goes, he called us. If he hadn't I truly wonder who we end up with. And Mitch didn't want Cal. It took another force from within to get that ball rolling.

I realize the money they finally sunk into football... But lets not act like just because they finally did, Mitch cares about football suddenly.

you forget that the program did not generate enough funding to be a top notch facilities and the periphereals that come with it UNTIL the SEC network came into play and that helped generate more funds to sink into the program.

Those that lay the blame at Barnhart's feet are not fair - because his tenure has been very admirable and only a couple of missteps (Billy G and Stoops)

It was not like he was going to be able to hire Vince Freakin' Lombardi - He had to go get a coach and that coach sold to him what was needed to be sold - that staff's ability to recruit Ohio and bring our fans back ....well he got both but the fans have seen that he could not coach and that can't be placed upon Barnhart.

He wanted Butch Jones {he's done pretty good} - and you know why - because both of those coaches realized that UK could out-recruit B1G in the North more so than in the South against the SEC. The one with this alleged strong background in Defense - the one that won coaching accolades from all his former coaches he coached with...and Steve Friggin Spurrier was hired because Jones wanted to wait - which meant he wasn't all in - but Stoops was all in and he DID SELL what was truthful - less his ability to be a Head Ball Coach. He failed - not Barnhart.

 

[JHB4UK]

Those that lay the blame at Barnhart's feet are not fair - because his tenure has been very admirable and only a couple of missteps (Billy G and Stoops)

ignoring the hiring of Joker who crashed & burned the tenuous but successful program Brooks worked so hard to build 2003-2009.

what isnt fair about holding the man who hired the last 2 coaches who did not win & who have lead us to a miserable last 6 years combined?

 

[Cadillaccat]

Kiffin is divorcing. Rumor has it he likes the company of co-eds.[/Q
If true, Barny would never hire an adulterer.

 

[BigBoyBlueMMA]

ignoring the hiring of Joker who crashed & burned the tenuous but successful program Brooks worked so hard to build 2003-2009.

what isnt fair about holding the man who hired the last 2 coaches who did not win & who have lead us to a miserable last 6 years combined?

Joker was hired AT THE REQUEST of Rich Brooks....seemed smart at the time by them as most of us.....but the blame cannot be laid at Barnhart feet - he took the advice of RICK FREAKIN BRROKS - who took us from peril to 4 straight bowls.

 

[brianpoe]

you forget that the program did not generate enough funding to be a top notch facilities and the periphereals that come with it UNTIL the SEC network came into play and that helped generate more funds to sink into the program.

Those that lay the blame at Barnhart's feet are not fair - because his tenure has been very admirable and only a couple of missteps (Billy G and Stoops)

It was not like he was going to be able to hire Vince Freakin' Lombardi - He had to go get a coach and that coach sold to him what was needed to be sold - that staff's ability to recruit Ohio and bring our fans back ....well he got both but the fans have seen that he could not coach and that can't be placed upon Barnhart.

He wanted Butch Jones {he's done pretty good} - and you know why - because both of those coaches realized that UK could out-recruit B1G in the North more so than in the South against the SEC. The one with this alleged strong background in Defense - the one that won coaching accolades from all his former coaches he coached with...and Steve Friggin Spurrier was hired because Jones wanted to wait - which meant he wasn't all in - but Stoops was all in and he DID SELL what was truthful - less his ability to be a Head Ball Coach. He failed - not Barnhart.

 

[catfanlou]

Coach Eric Taylor of the Dillon Panthers.

 

[Wall2Boogie]

Houston isnt the SEC and never will be...not even close...Hermann would take it

 

[Wall2Boogie]

Houston isnt the SEC and never will be...not even close...Hermann would take it[/QUOTE

You have a better chance at banging kate upton umm. He's in Texas which is a recruiting hotbed and tanked in the top 25 no way in hell he levels for uk's train wreck

 

[Ctroberts1024]

can't. SEC conference rules require every member to play 1 OOC game against another power 5 conference school. and name another P5 school who in comparison to UK is a 'patsy'. Kansas aint signing a home & home with us.

Purdoooo

 

[Shavers48]

So, why is he 0-2 at WSU this year and has lost his last two vs lower division teams?

the last loss was a road game at Boise St. and WSU was an 11 pt underdog, lost by 3. hardly a fireable offense.

 

[bkingUK]

Steve Sarkisian
Lane Kiffen

 

[Shavers48]

that guy at Oklahoma got off to a bad start and has Ohio St. up next and a surging Texas shortly after that. been awhile since his last NC and his well heeled and deep pocketed boosters are growing VERY impatient.

 

[UKCATS8]

Nick Saban, Urban Meyer, and Jim Harbaugh.

 

[CatsCats78]

I know your joking, but I wonder how much it would actually take to get Saban or Harbaugh? 20 mil/year? Everyone has a price lol.

 

[Beatle Bum]

the last loss was a road game at Boise St. and WSU was an 11 pt underdog, lost by 3. hardly a fireable offense.

The game before that was his second loss in two seasons to a lower division team. That loss certainly played a role in dictating the spread with Boise.

 

[Shavers48]

The game before that was his second loss in two seasons to a lower division team. That loss certainly played a role in dictating the spread with Boise.

hes lost his season opener 5 times in a row. even w the puker to Portland st last yr still went on to win 9

 

[Lonesome Hippopotamus]

I might be in the minority, but I would try to throw the kitchen sink at an established, proven program builder.... IF THERE IS ANY OUT THERE. One who has been head coach for some time at a decent level and successful. Ideal, but not likely.

 

[bigbluewildcat84]

Could UK go after an NFL assistant coach??

 

[JScalf]

LOL! Be honest. How many of you guys were predicting 7-8 wins a couple of weeks ago? On multiple threads, I tried to tell you that this is a 4-5 win team, but nobody was listening. So now, we have lost games to 2 football teams that were ranked higher than Kentucky in national polls, and some of you guys are freaking out. Instead of accepting what people like Lorenzen saw all along, many of you want to fire everyone this week. Here is what will happen. You can discount what I am saying now if you want, just like most of you discounted me in August when I told you this is a 4-5 win team. Kentucky has a bad offensive line coach, an OJT defensive coordinator, and a bad front 7. This team will get better, but the 2016 season won't be what everyone wants. We will easily beat NMSU, but basic problems remain. South Carolina, Vandy, Mississippi State are vulnerable, rebuilding teams that must travel to Lexington. Kentucky will win some of those games. This is probably still a 4-5 win team. If Stoops only squeezes 2-3 wins out of this year, then he could resign or be fired. The more likely picture is that Stoops survives to coach our team in 2017, which would become do or die. The next hire would probably be a young, winning head coach at a feeder school that has produced successful P5 head coaches in the past. It's the same path Hugh Freeze and Butch Jones took to the SEC. While this plays out, people need to take a deep breath and chill. Barnhart will not be fired. Briles and Leach will not be hired. People calling for stuff like that just lose credibility. So if you want to be taken seriously, learn from what you have seen, and try not to post before thinking carefully. Above all, our players deserve your support.

How many times can I like this post?

 

[UKvisitor_rivals101449]

Haven't read this thread, cause we have a coach. Not happy with his results. I'll give him what he has. A contract as head football coach at UK. He desires nothing more and deserves nothing less. Moan all ya want.

 

[jnewc2_rivals30628]

People like Brohm will have their pick of some really nice Power 5 jobs this year. We're waaaaay down the list, possibly among the least desirable P5 jobs. There will be no sexy hire here. We will need to hope to strike gold with relatively unknown coordinator (and risk another Stoops), or an older guy ala Brooks who would at least know how to manage a clock.

Of course, Mitch would have to try for a big hire, but we should prepare our selves to be underwhelmed by the interested candidates.

As for the buyout, I'm guessing it would be paid over a couple years at least, which makes it easier to stomach.

This isn't true. Not in the slightest. How often do you see a coach go from a school like WKU to a school like Florida? The fact of the matter is that schools that are "superior" to UK are going to have much more attractive/reliable options than Brohm who at the end of the day is still unproven at the P5 level.

A coach like Brohm rarely goes from WKU to Florida. The more logical progression is WKU to UK to Florida. Schools like Florida, LSU, etc are going to have their pick of the litter and much more reliable options than Brohm. They'll be able to choose from a plethora of coaches that have proven they can win at the P5 level. A school that is "superior" to UK would be taking wayyy too big of a risk in hiring a coach from Western Kentucky and it's a risk that they don't have to take when you consider the other options that will be available to them. Just like UK basketball wouldn't hire a promising coach from WKU, these schools that are superior to UK football aren't going to hire a coach from WKU no matter how promising they may appear to be. At the end of the day they're going to have better options to choose from P5 coaches and/or the NFL.

 

[Jared1985]

I'm also adding Todd Monken to the list.

Former Saban assist at LSU, took over as OC for Holgorsen at Oklahoma State and blew people out of the water and was HC at Southern Miss (and managed to turn things around there in his 33rd year)

He bolted for the OC job at Tampa bay and if game 1 is any indication.....

 

[AllBall]

Sarkisian would be a great hire for next season. Lets be patient and allow him to clear his name @ Bama for the remainder of this yr. All the while, Stoops continues to dive bomb and finishes with 3 total wins. At that point a change could be made.
But lets face facts....we are stuck with Stoops regardless of everything until 2018. However, the premature extension may cost Mitch his job.

 

[bthaunert]

I gotta say Kliff Kingsbury is my top choose at the moment. He would have to get fired to have a chance at him though. No way he leaves his alma mater to come here. Young, charismatic and his players absolutely love him. Runs a high powered offense that would allow him to compete in SEC, even with the caliber of players we have here now. Also has ties to the biggest recruiting hot bed in country. Place him with an experienced DC and we'd be rolling. He makes over 3 mil now, offer him 4-6 mil and I really believe he'd take it. (Assuming Tech lets him go)

Kingsbury has been mentioned on here a few times, and frankly, I don't get it. Besides him being a cool dude and maybe a fun guy to grab a drink with, I have no idea what the fascination is with this guy by some of our fans. He is 20-20/10-17 after the first two games of the season. Is this really what we're reaching for?

 

[Jared1985]

Kingsbury has been mentioned on here a few times, and frankly, I don't get it. Besides him being a cool dude and maybe a fun guy to grab a drink with, I have no idea what the fascination is with this guy by some of our fans. He is 20-20/10-17 after the first two games of the season. Is this really what we're reaching for?

Because his offense is good enough to win games by out scoring people. His defenses have been horrendous this far, but UKs never gonna be a defensive powerhouse anyway.

That being said I would rather have Leach, Holgorsen Babers or Montgomery. They field something that at least APPEARS to be some semblance of a defense.

That being said....if they aren't interested in the job and Kingsbury was available and willing to take the job I would take him in a HEARTBEAT.

 

[The_Godfather_rivals]

Joker was hired AT THE REQUEST of Rich Brooks....seemed smart at the time by them as most of us.....but the blame cannot be laid at Barnhart feet - he took the advice of RICK FREAKIN BRROKS - who took us from peril to 4 straight bowls.

Good God. Did Brooks put a gun to Mitch's head?

As is typical of Barnhart, he made the idiotic decision to feel the need to act like one of the legit programs in the country and name a "coach in waiting". In his brilliance, he ignored the fact that other coaches in waiting were actually being courted as head coaches at other programs.

All Barnhart needed to do was promise to pay Joker whatever it took to retain him as an assistant.

 

[CatsCats78]

I love this guy. Hire him the second Stoops is canned.

 

[bthaunert]

Because his offense is good enough to win games by out scoring people. His defenses have been horrendous this far, but UKs never gonna be a defensive powerhouse anyway.

That being said I would rather have Leach, Holgorsen Babers or Montgomery. They field something that at least APPEARS to be some semblance of a defense.

That being said....if they aren't interested in the job and Kingsbury was available and willing to take the job I would take him in a HEARTBEAT.

Scoring is good and all, but isn't the point to win?

The difference between a guy like Leach and Kingsbury, is Leach scored a ton of points at TTU and won. Kingsbury scores points and doesn't win. I just can't imagine hiring a guy who gets fired from his alma mater because he couldn't win games.

 

[maysvilleky]

can't. SEC conference rules require every member to play 1 OOC game against another power 5 conference school. and name another P5 school who in comparison to UK is a 'patsy'. Kansas aint signing a home & home with us.

Many Many P5 schools worse than UofL at this point. Plus UK probably looks just as winnable to them as they do to UK. We have to schedule winnable games until UK can get some wins under their belt and develope a winning environment. Every time we get blown out or look bad in a game makes it that much tougher to change attitudes and bring in players that want to win.

 

[true55]

List who you think they are and why.

I think they have to be an offensive coach, and again as I've said a billion times someone who calls his own plays (so we don't have to replace our OC every successful season.

1. Mike Leach. Not the sexiest hire, but imo the best one we could make considering his offensive prowess, ability to do more with less and his coaching experience. And yes.... I realize he's 0-2 this year. I will counter your argument by saying if you don't think Leach is a MASSIVE upgrade to Stoops your an idiot.

2. Dana Holgorsen. Another air raid guru. He's had a good run at WVU but apparently has been looking to leave since they joined the big 12. Too hard to lure texas kids across the country to wv, so you end up playing with Carolina and Virginia hs talent against Texas hs talent....not good. Still he's done extremely well considering all the moving parts he's had to deal with imo.

3. Dino Babers. Former Briles assist and has done extremely well everywhere he's been (eastern ill, bowling green and now Syracuse) his old QB at Eastern Ill just beat the Cardinals tonight and his other former assist Sterlin Gilbert is now tearing it up at texas as OC.

4. Phillip Montgomery. Baylors playcaller from 08-14. In his second year as HC at Tulsa. Nuff said.

Why not shoot for the moon and go after Les Miles or Nick Saban ? :joy: At this point why not!

 

[BigBoyBlueMMA]

Good God. Did Brooks put a gun to Mitch's head?

As is typical of Barnhart, he made the idiotic decision to feel the need to act like one of the legit programs in the country and name a "coach in waiting". In his brilliance, he ignored the fact that other coaches in waiting were actually being courted as head coaches at other programs.

All Barnhart needed to do was promise to pay Joker whatever it took to retain him as an assistant.

well we obviously are not gonna convince each other of anything - sooo I cease and desist .....as you blame Barnhart - I'll blame those with hands on with the team and we'll just agree to disagree.

 

[Jared1985]

Scoring is good and all, but isn't the point to win?

The difference between a guy like Leach and Kingsbury, is Leach scored a ton of points at TTU and won. Kingsbury scores points and doesn't win. I just can't imagine hiring a guy who gets fired from his alma mater because he couldn't win games.

I get you completely. He's not among my top choices specifically for this reason. Leach, Holgorsen, Babers and Montgomery are my top picks. Todd Monken and PJ Fleck are in as well.

I would still hire Kingsbury over Stoops any day of the week. And while he's obviously not the best option, he's still a pretty good one.

 

[Mojocat_rivals48469]

Kingsbury has been mentioned on here a few times, and frankly, I don't get it. Besides him being a cool dude and maybe a fun guy to grab a drink with, I have no idea what the fascination is with this guy by some of our fans. He is 20-20/10-17 after the first two games of the season. Is this really what we're reaching for?

nothing new. it's common on this board to refer to Barnhart as an idiot and an incompetent, as though picking and getting the right guy is an easy thing to do. and then all the guessing and many of the posts seem to prove just the opposite. identifying the right guy and getting him to come to UK is hard to do. not defending Barnhart, just pointing out the ridiculous nature of most of the posts. hey, let's just get Tom Herman or Nick Saban? What about Bellichick? or, even better....let's hire Briles or Petrino or Kiffin - and then as soon as they do something stupid and leave us in a lurch, everyone can moan against about the AD, whomever it is at that time, even though it's what they wanted! even better, let's hire Brohm, then when he takes the UofL job and leaves us as the laughingstock of all laughingstocks, we can blame the AD!