Poll: Should Mark Stoops be fired?

[herodotus6]

Do you think Stoops should be fired?

He did inherit possibly the worst UK team ever, however with three years under his belt, a core of his own recruits, total ineptitude by coaching staff, a disappointing season where most predicted UK to turn a bit of a corner, and likely to lose recruits when what looks like another 5-7 season is upon him, should he be given year four?

I personally am in Camp Fire Stoops as of tonight. Stoops Troops has turned to Stoops Oops for me, but curious where the rest of the fan base is at.

 

[herodotus6]

If you vote no, give reasons why not. Because the reasons for are numerous. The argument to keep him is a harder case to make.

 

[Kats23]

I'm going to say not yet bc it would be hard to get a quality coach in here after only getting Stoops 3 years. Now maybe UK could never attract a quality coach but I'm trying to stay optimistic here.

Hoping the roster is good enough to attract a good one after next year. I Just think UK won't do much better next year and probably miss a bowl again. Then I think you can fire Stoops safely even if you have to pay him. UK can afford it

 

[@lleycat]

Because he's Derek Dooley 2.0

 

[meteordealer]

Because he's Derek Dooley 2.0

I'd give him one more year. Although, outside of recruiting, i haven't seen anything to give me hope for next season. Our coaching staff seems completely incompetent. Our team looks very sloppy and poorly coached.

Brooks took teams full of 2 and 3 star players and competed because they were well coached. If Brooks could have recruited the way Stoops has, we would have won an SEC Title.

 

[jedwar]

Voted no. I've said all along 4 years. If a repeat next year then bring in another sacrificial coach lamb.

 

[Brock28]

Why is there not a "hell no" option?

 

[UK39]

12 months from now, you tell me that UK is 4-6 and lost to Vandy and Ill vote yes every time. Until then, I'll give him one more year.

I do think they need to overhaul the assistants though starting with both offensive and defensive coordinators and actually spend money on them equivalent to the elite programs.

 

[Tapemaster8]

Do you think Stoops should be fired?

He did inherit possibly the worst UK team ever, however with three years under his belt, a core of his own recruits, total ineptitude by coaching staff, a disappointing season where most predicted UK to turn a bit of a corner, and likely to lose recruits when what looks like another 5-7 season is upon him, should he be given year four?

I personally am in Camp Fire Stoops as of tonight. Stoops Troops has turned to Stoops Oops for me, but curious where the rest of the fan base is at.

Fans need to check out how long it took Frank Beamer to turn Virginia Tech into a great football program. It just takes time. Stoops needs at least two more full years. I hope he stays for a long time. Not happy with all the mistakes we make, but that is football. If we don't give him time to get all his own players we ought to forget having a football program. It isn't basketball, no quick fixes.

 

[Catnerd]

No possible way. We need to take a step back and use our brains. Building a football program is not like building a basketball program. One good recruiting class can completely change a basketball program like we had Cal's first year. When you are left with NOTHING, like Stoops was, you have to allow 5 years before you start talking firing. You have to understand these schools we're playing have solid recruits 3 deep at every position and have those upperclassmen playing most positions. Even the schools with coaching changes still left solid classes for the incoming coach. Our seniors and some juniors are Joker recruits. We are not even solid two-deep with upperclassmen.

Yes, I think there are some coaching issues and decision-making problems. Yes, I don't understand why the last two years we aren't getting better as the year goes on. I also think the change in offensive coordinators is taking major adjustments and I'm not quite sold on Dawson, but Stoops is a relatively new head coach and Dawson is in his first year of full-time playcalling. There's always going to be a leaning curve.

I know we are all impatient and want to see results, but we have to give this thing time. Stoops has basically gotten us a beautiful new stadium we should be proud of, an incredible practice facility, and new energy into the fans. Have patience, and give the man 2 more years before hanging him.

 

[KendallCat]

No possible way. We need to take a step back and use our brains. Building a football program is not like building a basketball program. One good recruiting class can completely change a basketball program like we had Cal's first year. When you are left with NOTHING, like Stoops was, you have to allow 5 years before you start talking firing. You have to understand these schools we're playing have solid recruits 3 deep at every position and have those upperclassmen playing most positions. Even the schools with coaching changes still left solid classes for the incoming coach. Our seniors and some juniors are Joker recruits. We are not even solid two-deep with upperclassmen.

Yes, I think there are some coaching issues and decision-making problems. Yes, I don't understand why the last two years we aren't getting better as the year goes on. I also think the change in offensive coordinators is taking major adjustments and I'm not quite sold on Dawson, but Stoops is a relatively new head coach and Dawson is in his first year of full-time playcalling. There's always going to be a leaning curve.

I know we are all impatient and want to see results, but we have to give this thing time. Stoops has basically gotten us a beautiful new stadium we should be proud of, an incredible practice facility, and new energy into the fans. Have patience, and give the man 2 more years before hanging him.

I think you make a lot of good points in your post. I also think that the error Stoops has made is that his staff has no leaders or experience. He has never been a HC, Elliott has never been a DC, and Dawson did not call plays at WVU. It is apparent this inexperience is costing us in terms of player development and really in game time decisions. We have made mistakes a junior high team should not make with no excuses. 8 men on the field for a punt return? Calling timeouts when our kicker is going to kick a FG and icing your own kicker? Not covering a WR on a pass play with 25 seconds to go? Not having enough players on the field for a FG attempt. Pulling a QB who throws one INT, but putting one back in who was 10-27 with 67 yards? Same QB has thrown costly INT's in the red zone but does not come out. Players and staff and writers complain about the S&C coach to the point it is out in the media - when have you ever seen that?

Stoops being a good DC at FSU does not mean he can be a good HC. Completely different skill sets. If he does not learn on the job quickly he will have the DC title again soon I am afraid.

 

[LowCountryCat]

No possible way. We need to take a step back and use our brains. Building a football program is not like building a basketball program. One good recruiting class can completely change a basketball program like we had Cal's first year. When you are left with NOTHING, like Stoops was, you have to allow 5 years before you start talking firing. You have to understand these schools we're playing have solid recruits 3 deep at every position and have those upperclassmen playing most positions. Even the schools with coaching changes still left solid classes for the incoming coach. Our seniors and some juniors are Joker recruits. We are not even solid two-deep with upperclassmen.

Yes, I think there are some coaching issues and decision-making problems. Yes, I don't understand why the last two years we aren't getting better as the year goes on. I also think the change in offensive coordinators is taking major adjustments and I'm not quite sold on Dawson, but Stoops is a relatively new head coach and Dawson is in his first year of full-time playcalling. There's always going to be a leaning curve.

I know we are all impatient and want to see results, but we have to give this thing time. Stoops has basically gotten us a beautiful new stadium we should be proud of, an incredible practice facility, and new energy into the fans. Have patience, and give the man 2 more years before hanging him.

We don't have a new stadium, and Stoops had nothing to do with it. The first two paragraphs of your post read like they were written by Mrs. Stoops.

Other than that, great post.

 

[Catnerd]

??? He had nothing to do with it? I don't remember a big push for an over $100 million renovation in Joker's last year.

You disagree with my opinion of the difference between building a football and basketball program? Elaborate.

 

[LowCountryCat]

??? He had nothing to do with it? I don't remember a big push for an over $100 million renovation in Joker's last year.

You disagree with my opinion of the difference between building a football and basketball program? Elaborate.

Do you agree with the huge extension that Barney signed Stoops to, in the middle of last season?

 

[Chuckinden]

Fans need to check out how long it took Frank Beamer to turn Virginia Tech into a great football program. It just takes time. Stoops needs at least two more full years. I hope he stays for a long time. Not happy with all the mistakes we make, but that is football. If we don't give him time to get all his own players we ought to forget having a football program. It isn't basketball, no quick fixes.

I'm not ready to give up on Stoops yet, but I'm hanging by a thread on the bandwagon.

BTW, Beamer had Head Coaching experience at Murray St for like 8-9 yrs.

 

[krazykats]

Why would we fire him? My reasons for not firing him are clear as day when you go look at the roster! All his players are true sophs, FR or are being RS'ed right now.

I won't use youth and inexperience as a reason for everything right now, but I will use it as a means of justifying keeping the coach here. Next year his first class will be true JRs and yet you want him gone before that?

There is a lot of people on that sideline getting invaluable experience and learning it takes more than the exciting plays to win.

Also, exactly who do you want to come in here and be the coach? I'd take stoops over all realistic options!

 

[catagious]

We all know that he won't be fired this season. But, someone give us just one example of good coaching to give us some glimmer of hope for the future. We've all seen a list of all of the coaching blunders.

 

[UKWildcatT]

Maybe Andre McGee can hook him up with some hookers...that would do it

 

[ulismyman]

Why does everybody say...i think the assistants should be fired??? Who the hell ya think hired them??

 

[secrules3]

One more and pray he gets his head out of you know where. Want him to win so bad.

 

[magic8ball]

I said no but there need to be lots of changes to the staff and the Cats HAVE to make a bowl game next year

 

[chuckster.sixpack]

Do you agree with the huge extension that Barney signed Stoops to, in the middle of last season?

It was a curious move but one that is almost automatic in today's college football due to recruiting. If a guy doesn't have a long term deal, he will get roasted on the recruiting trail. Now the raise is an entirely different deal. You could argue hat wasn't justified all day and have a valid point.

I for one don't buy that it takes time to rebuild a football program - especially in a division as weak as the SECE. Too many coaches have proven otherwise. And I've wondered about Stoops being in over his head ever since he had. That deer-in-the headlights look in his very first game against Western.

And I've never been impressed with his staff. Too many guys who can only recruit.

Having said that, he'll get two more years. He won just enough this year for the sunshine pampers to say "it's better than 2-10". And this is not the year for a program like UK to be in the coaching market - too many better jobs out there. He'll have a better team next year with a similar record. But when he goes 5-7 in year five because his coaching staff is so weak, it will be time to go.

 

[Randy Bob]

Why fire him Ky cannot get anyone better, each yr we are looking at the same losing season just another yr, coach Brooks was one of out better coaches in later yrs, he did more with less and seem to be in a bowl game about very yr...

 

[ukwazoo]

There are options:

A) Go after the best available coach. I've never seen this at UK and likely never will. Which brings us to B.

B) Let Stoops try again next year. If he fails, hope to strike gold on the next up-and-coming coach, who would be armed with a pretty full cupboard. This option wouldn't work, either, due to Stoops' huge buyout. Which brings us to Option C.

C) Let Stoops work until his contract runs out and hope he gets better. This is the one that will happen. Better just hope the recruits keep coming and he figures it out.

 

[bryan211999]

Yes he should be fired but thanks to dumbass Mitch and the contract extension we are stuck. I would force Stoops to fire his ast coaches though.

 

[bigbluetrue]

No to being fired. At least for now. The Vanderbilt loss was a complete embarrassment on so many levels that primarily center around piss poor coaching. I have been a huge supporter of Stoops but the cumulative effect of bad play calls and a seemingly endless string of keystone cops antics on the field have really made me wonder if this staff has what it takes. Believe it or not, this season could be somewhat salvaged if we win our next two. Should beat Charlotte and UL is definitely beatable despite what some on here might say. I am not only concerned about the coaching but also what appears to be a unfocused/disinterested attitude by many on the offense. Baker being the worst. The sad thing is that the schedule will be tougher next season so this team/coaches had better get things fixed in a hurry.

 

[KYCAT78]

Do you think Stoops should be fired?

He did inherit possibly the worst UK team ever, however with three years under his belt, a core of his own recruits, total ineptitude by coaching staff, a disappointing season where most predicted UK to turn a bit of a corner, and likely to lose recruits when what looks like another 5-7 season is upon him, should he be given year four?

I personally am in Camp Fire Stoops as of tonight. Stoops Troops has turned to Stoops Oops for me, but curious where the rest of the fan base is at.

I voted no, I think he should get one more year, but, I do think he needs to bring in some new staff. If he does not go 7-5 next year then he needs to go.

 

[Johnfarrel]

Makes no sense to fire any coach after only three years in a rebuilding effort. Starting over with a new coach every three years is in nobody's interest. Most people were calling for Brooks' head after the LSU blowout, but he turned the program around. In hindsight, it was a really bad decision not to hire a special teams coach this year, but that will surely be done next year.

 

[krazykats]

Why does everybody say...i think the assistants should be fired??? Who the hell ya think hired them??

Pretty sure Neal Brown was hired directly by Mitch not Stoops. I assume Stoops brought in Dawson but I don't know that, is that how it was?

We all know that he won't be fired this season. But, someone give us just one example of good coaching to give us some glimmer of hope for the future. We've all seen a list of all of the coaching blunders.

UF game and Mizzou 1st half. Most of the Auburn game too. The problem is the players are simply playing favorites right under a Stoops nose and he hasn't put an end to it if you ask me. My guess is he may also feel the same as the players as far as Barker/Towles but doesn't want to give up on Towles meanwhile his players are forcing his hand.

 

[Anjiejo]

Stoops needs to get a oc that he can trust. Turn the offense over to him and get out of his way...then he needs to hire a DC that he can trust and get out of his way and let him coach..then he could take st like urban Meyer does and get that unit to the highest level possible..or he could hire a st coach and coach they defense himself if he wants...the problem I see is he is involved with everything and doesn't trust his staff and he can't keep up with the game.
Also it obvious that this team is divided and it looks to me like stoops has lost them. If he thinks by switching to barker would be letting the players run the show he has lost control..
No doubt in my mind that he will make staff changes but really wonder which way he will go...don't think Dawson and stoops see eye to eye,which leads to the question,why doesn't he get a oc he can trust?? Miami's oc is available wonder if he goes after him?
"Just a few of my thoughts"

 

[DDS62]

No possible way. We need to take a step back and use our brains. Building a football program is not like building a basketball program. One good recruiting class can completely change a basketball program like we had Cal's first year. When you are left with NOTHING, like Stoops was, you have to allow 5 years before you start talking firing. You have to understand these schools we're playing have solid recruits 3 deep at every position and have those upperclassmen playing most positions. Even the schools with coaching changes still left solid classes for the incoming coach. Our seniors and some juniors are Joker recruits. We are not even solid two-deep with upperclassmen.

Yes, I think there are some coaching issues and decision-making problems. Yes, I don't understand why the last two years we aren't getting better as the year goes on. I also think the change in offensive coordinators is taking major adjustments and I'm not quite sold on Dawson, but Stoops is a relatively new head coach and Dawson is in his first year of full-time playcalling. There's always going to be a leaning curve.

I know we are all impatient and want to see results, but we have to give this thing time. Stoops has basically gotten us a beautiful new stadium we should be proud of, an incredible practice facility, and new energy into the fans. Have patience, and give the man 2 more years before hanging him.

 

[UK39]

If I had my choice if offensive coordinators Im going after Billy Napier WR coach Alabama. Obviously knows the SEC, spent two years as Clemson's OC during their rise. Great recruiter. Obviously developed great WRs during hid time at Bama ( which we haven't seen this year as UK WRs have regressed).

 

[Blue Bigfoot]

I'm going to hold off until the season's end before I'll even cast a vote. No need to be reactive and rash. That being said, observations about our youth, talent, and depth may have some validity. But last night was nearly all due to incompetent coaching(or complete lack thereof), and you won't convince me otherwise.

 

[domino79]

He's going to work on it this week.

 

[buckkiller]

He can recruit but instead of developing players its like he undevelopes ! He is such a dumb@$$! He had me so pissed yesterday I didn't even watch the basketball game! I am sick of piss poor football and horrible coaching. Hell I bet Joker would do better with these players. Joker was working with zero stars-2stars. I don't even care anymore!!

 

[buckkiller]

I'm going to hold off until the season's end before I'll even cast a vote. No need to be reactive and rash. That being said, observations about our youth, talent, and depth may have some validity. But last night was nearly all due to incompetent coaching(or complete lack thereof), and you won't convince me otherwise.

You are spot on!