Realistic Look at Coaching Options

[LouisvilleRealtor]

People are throwing around Les Miles, Jeff Brohm, Tom Herman, and Jim Tressel...these are not realistic options. Below is a concise list of coaches who are viable options. I'd prefer a coach with previous head coaching experience, but we might have to settle with another unknown, but high potential coordinator.

P.J. Fleck, Western Michigan

The Broncos went 1-11 in Fleck’s debut, but were one of the most improved teams in college football last season. Western Michigan went 8-5 and made its first bowl appearance since 2011. Fleck is known as an ace recruiter, as this program has reeled in the No. 1 recruiting class in the MAC in back-to-back years.

Matt Wells, Utah State

Despite injuries to a few key players, the Aggies are 19-9 in Wells’ two seasons and have recorded back-to-back bowl wins. Wells worked under Gary Andersen from 2011-12 as an assistant and was promoted to the top spot after Andersen left for Wisconsin. Wells should have Utah State in the mix to win the Mountain West title once again in 2015.

Doc Holliday, Marshall

Holliday has rebuilt Marshall’s program back among the best in Conference USA. Holliday is 23-5 in his last two years and has three bowl appearances under his watch. Holliday was known for his recruiting ability when hired at Marshall, but he’s proven he’s more than just a good recruiter.

Dave Aranda, Louisiana State University

The LSU defensive coordinator is only 39 years old. Aranda’s creative defenses have made him one of the nation’s top coordinators over the last four years. Three of his last four teams at Wisconsin and Utah State have ranked in the top 10 in fewest yards allowed per play. A move to LSU puts him at the helm of enviable defensive talent.

Scott Satterfield, Appalachian State

Satterfield has done a phenomenal job leading the Mountaineers' transition from FCS power to competitive FBS program, and now he has a chance to capture even more attention with 16 starters returning to a team that went 11-2 overall and 7-1 in the Sun Belt. The 48-year-old Satterfield went 4-8 in his debut as head coach before Appalachian State jumped to the Sun Belt, but the Mountaineers have won 17 of their last 19 games after a rough start to the 2014 season.

Mike Sanford, Notre Dame

A former Boise State quarterback from 2000-04, Sanford has already accumulated a wealth of coaching experience as an assistant under Jim Harbaugh, David Shaw and Brian Kelly. He served as offensive coordinator for Boise State's Fiesta Bowl team in 2014. Only 34 years old, Sanford has been an assistant for major bowl teams five years in a row at three schools, and last season the Irish ranked sixth in yards per play.

Brent Venables, Clemson

The 45-year-old Venables has a great gig right now he has transformed Clemson's defense over the last four years after the unit gave up 70 points in the Orange Bowl to West Virginia in 2011. Despite losing several standout players, Clemson had a top-20 defense again last season as it nearly won the national title. He can afford to be patient and wait for the perfect opportunity.

Matt Rhule, Temple

Rhule has been at Temple for three years, improving from 2-10 to 6-6 to 10-4. Last season was Temple's best since 1979, as it broke into the top 25 during the season. With several impact players gone from the defense, Temple will likely take a step back this season, but it's still in good position for a second straight bowl bid, something that has never happened before.

Jeremy Pruitt, Alabama

Nick Saban plucked Pruitt from the high school ranks when he got the Alabama job, and since then Pruitt has been on a path toward becoming a college head coach. He was the defensive backs coach for Alabama's national championship teams in 2011 and '12, then the defensive coordinator for Florida State's championship team in 2013. He left after one season for the same position at Georgia, who ranked 17th and 13th in yards per play allowed under Pruitt. Pruitt took over for Kirby and look at them now.

Tim Drevno, Michigan

The 47-year-old Michigan offensive coordinator has coached the offensive line for Stanford, the 49ers and USC, and now the Michigan line has quickly gone from liability to strength, potentially the best in the Big Ten season.

Greg Schiano, Ohio State

Rutgers is the oldest FBS program in the country, and yet Schiano basically invented Rutgers football in his stint as head coach from 2001-211 -- a time that included six bowls in his final seven seasons. The Buckeyes lose most of their defense but still have high expectations. I like Schiano at Kentucky due to his experience reviving a program (Rutgers) and his new found connections to Ohio at Ohio State. I know he is a retread, but he is an awfully good retread.

Mark Hudspeth, Louisiana-Lafayette head coach

Heading into his fourth year at Louisiana-Lafayette, Hudspeth is 27-12 in Division I following a 66-21 run in D-II at North Alabama. He can coach. But he also has the so-called "it" factor that can charm and energize a fan base. Hudspeth is the total package, and it won't be a surprise if he wins the Sun Belt again this year and parlays it into a big-time offer. Connections to Alabama and Louisiana could help expand our footprint.

Joey Jones, South Alabama

Jones has done an excellent job building South Alabama's program from scratch. He is great at developing talent which can be seen by his upsets over division 1 teams (Beat Mississippi State this year, San Diego State, Troy (over Neil Brown), and Louisiana Tech...who we barely beat).

What are your thoughts? I know Neil Brown is going to get thrown out there...Leach..Petrino....but I don't think these are great gets at this point.

Who do you like? Who do you hate?

 

[Kingebeneezer]

You left out Briles. The best coach avaliable that UK can actually get because of his baggage. UK isn't serious about winning football games and won't take a chance. Morals are too important.

 

[LouisvilleRealtor]

You left out Briles. The best coach avaliable that UK can actually get because of his baggage. UK isn't serous about winning football games and won't take a chance. Morals are too important.

I'm one who believes we will never hire Briles and Mitch wouldn't even bring him in for an interview. Another thing I don't like is he never coached outside of Texas, can he recruit up North? Can he recruit after this scandal? Is he really worth the risk? I say no to all.

 

[TheBigBlueSpectacle]

You left out Briles. The best coach avaliable that UK can actually get because of his baggage. UK isn't serious about winning football games and won't take a chance. Morals are too important.

Again, morals aren't "too" important but they are a little bit important. It's not like the minimum requirements are that high. Briles sails well below them and would be a disaster.

 

[Mr Schwump]

Whew, that was close. Thought we'd get thru this day without a "New Coach" thread.

 

[LouisvilleRealtor]

Again, morals aren't "too" important but they are a little bit important. It's not like the minimum requirements are that high. Briles sails well below them and would be a disaster.

I personally believe Schiano, Hudspeth, Rhule, Wells, Fleck, and Venables are better options.

 

[Poetax]

You left out Briles. The best coach avaliable that UK can actually get because of his baggage. UK isn't serious about winning football games and won't take a chance. Morals are too important.

I read a lot of articles on the Briles situation and it seem strange that some said they don't know why he was fired and others say he does know, kind of confusing to me. But in the end he was fired, that fact is the only thing that I really know but why? And King, morals are important, not just for yourself but for your family and kids.

 

[LouisvilleRealtor]

I read a lot of articles on the Briles situation and it seem strange that some said they don't know why he was fired and others say he does know, kind of confusing to me. But in the end he was fired, that fact is the only thing that I really know but why? And King, morals are important, not just for yourself but for your family and kids.

I don't truly hate U of L (from Ohio, became a UK fan when I decided to go to UK...grew up a Michigan fan). I just don't understand how people can have their kids look up to Petrino and Pitino. If they weren't a part of the program I wouldn't hate on them anymore than I hate on IU, Duke, UNC, and Ohio State.

 

[Kingebeneezer]

Someone will hire Briles. UK just isn't as serious about football as they claim if he's not considered. And I don't buy the recruiting argument at all. There is nothing stopping him from continuing to recruit Texas if he's at UK.

 

[Kingebeneezer]

I don't truly hate U of L (from Ohio, became a UK fan when I decided to go to UK...grew up a Michigan fan). I just don't understand how people can have their kids look up to Petrino and Pitino. If they weren't a part of the program I wouldn't hate on them anymore than I hate on IU, Duke, UNC, and Ohio State.

Nobody is looking up to football coaches for their moral compass. Football is a corrupted billion dollar business and the coaches are filthy rich scumbags. Kids just want to play for a good coach.

 

[LouisvilleRealtor]

Nobody is looking up to football coaches for their moral compass. Football is a corrupted billion dollar business and the coaches are filthy rich scumbags. Kids just want to play for a good coach.

I disagree. There are plenty of good coaches out there that do not have a shaddy background. I mean I just posted a list of them. lol

 

[Poetax]

I don't truly hate U of L (from Ohio, became a UK fan when I decided to go to UK...grew up a Michigan fan). I just don't understand how people can have their kids look up to Petrino and Pitino. If they weren't a part of the program I wouldn't hate on them anymore than I hate on IU, Duke, UNC, and Ohio State.

I determine how I look at people by how they make decisions on how they want to interact with me and their families. Being a tough SOB coach has very little to do with morals but lying out your teeth and being unfaithful to your family shows no morals at all. With ul fans, my distaste came from being at a ul uk game and being harassed the whole game with my wife and kids having to hear the language and occasion beer spray. UL fans have told me that they get treated the same at CWS, but I have never seen it but it could happen.

 

[Kingebeneezer]

I disagree. There are plenty of good coaches out there that do not have a shaddy background. I mean I just posted a list of them. lol

Because you know them personally? Most coaches I've known personally were all gambling, drunk, panty chasing degenerates.

 

[Poetax]

Because you know them personally? Most coaches I've known personally were all gambling, drunk, panty chasing degenerates.

You need to get around more.

 

[Mojocat_rivals48469]

Morals are too important.

heh. nice and pithy, anyway. a phrase which would live in infamy.

 

[LouisvilleRealtor]

Because you know them personally? Most coaches I've known personally were all gambling, drunk, panty chasing degenerates.

These people aren't publically known for being shaddy. Ala Pitino, Petrino, Billy G, Lane Kiffin (I'm sure we'd love him if he came here), and Mike Leach (locked a kid in a closet).

 

[gobigblue812_rivals29381]

Because you know them personally? Most coaches I've known personally were all gambling, drunk, panty chasing degenerates.

Wow. You must be a college or NFL coach or maybe you are an agent. I'd like to hear about all of these crazy partying coaches.

 

[rick64]

What about the guy from ND State, Chris Klieman?

 

[Bluesnky]

You left out Briles. The best coach avaliable that UK can actually get because of his baggage. UK isn't serious about winning football games and won't take a chance. Morals are too important.

If it is not possible to be serious about football and preventing rape at the same time then we ought to shut down the football program because it isn't worth it.

 

[RonEJones]

I disagree. There are plenty of good coaches out there that do not have a shaddy background. I mean I just posted a list of them. lol

Those are some good to decent coaches and we've been this route. But tis is UK - quite possibly the hardest job in P5 FB.

We've hired the hotshot coordinator, the coach from D2, the young unproven HC from a smaller D1 school and the former really good coach out of his prime. With the exception of a year or so with Mumme and 3-4 seasons under Brooks, it's been a disaster. Again, you have to truly see the problem to know the fix.

UK needs an exceptional, proven coach that is in his prime. But we're not going to get that being we are UK unless they have some issues. Petrino fell in our laps but Brainfart and his band of merry moral idiots wouldn't bite. Now we have a chance to hire someone equally as good in Briles.

You have to interview the guy and make your own informed decision. Don't be swayed by public opinion or half truths set out by people with agendas.

 

[DACats86]

Nice list, but I am not sure why Brohm would not be considered a viable candidate? That said, I think short of making Landon Young stand in a toilet at halftime, we have at least one more year with Stoops, and then I would prefer you hiring the next coach rather than Barnhart, At least you have not been proven to be completely incompetent at that task.

 

[LouisvilleRealtor]

What about the guy from ND State, Chris Klieman?

I like him a lot, especially bringing him in to coach the abundant talent we already have on the roster. He's 28-3 with two national titles in his two seasons. Bison remain the best brand in the FCS. That could be for a while, as they've won five straight national titles. My only concern about him and Joey Jones is can they jump from FBS to the SEC?

 

[Bluetick2100]

Whew, that was close. Thought we'd get thru this day without a "New Coach" thread.

Or another poll

 

[LouisvilleRealtor]

Nice list, but I am not sure why Brohm would not be considered a viable candidate? That said, I think short of making Landon Young stand in a toilet at halftime, we have at least one more year with Stoops, and then I would prefer you hiring the next coach rather than Barnhart, At least you have not been proven to be completely incompetent at that task.

Brohm is a heck of a coach obviously. I've just read he has a two year no instate move clause and I've read he is a Louisville guy. IDK? I'd love to have him!

 

[Poetax]

Those are some good to decent coaches but we've been this route. But is UK - quite possibly the hardest job in P5 FB.

We've hired the hotshot coordinator, the coach from D2, the young unproven HC from a smaller D1 school and the former really good coach out of his prime. With the exception of a year or so with Mumme and 3-4 seasons under Brooks, it's been a disaster. Again, you have truly see the problem to know the fix.

UK needs an exceptional, proven coach that is in his prime. But we're not going to get that being we are UK unless they have some issues. Petrino fell in our laps but Brainfart and his band of merry moral idiots wouldn't bite. Now we have a chance to hire someone equally as good in Briles.

You have to interview the guy and make your own informed decision. Don't be swayed by public opinion or half truths set out by people with agendas.

I keep hearing that we can't get a "good guy" HC because we are Kentucky. I also heard from Curry and Joker that it wasn't worth going after big name 4 and 5 star kids because we were Kentucky. Stoops and Marrow has proved that the recruiting fable is false and honestly how hard has past administrations really tired to make that BIG hire of a great "good guy" HC? Probably never.

 

[truebluewildcat_rivals34254]

Ken Niumatalolo

-Winning record
-built strong competitive program at Navy with less talent, practice time, and athletic focused resources
-Unconventional offense

June Jones

-Winning record
-30 years of coaching in pros and college
-offensive guru
-made something out of nothing at Hawaii and SMU

Chris Klieman

-Been apart of the NDSU run as an assistant now as HC
-2 FCS titles going on 3 as HC
-Seems to have a very successful system that develops players and allows them to "out kick their coverage" so to speak

Doug Meacham

-Only a matter of time before he gets a gig
-Offensive mind with productive system
-part of some explosive teams/programs...OK ST, Houston, now TCU

Troy Calhoun

-Building strong program at Air Force
-pro experience at Houston and Denver
-unique offense, that is well balanced in run and pass
-like Niumatalolo, has succeeded with limited resources, time, and talent

 

[DACats86]

Brohm is a heck of a coach obviously. I've just read he has a two year no instate move clause and I've read he is a Louisville guy. IDK? I'd love to have him!

Don't always believe what you read (on here):
"Curiously, the Daily News noted in its report, the extension also removed a non-compete clause in Brohm's contract preventing him from working at another Kentucky school within two years of voluntarily leaving his job at WKU."

Also, who gives a rat's *** if he's a "UofL guy?" Money is green, not red or blue.

 

[RonEJones]

I keep hearing that we can't get a "good guy" HC because we are Kentucky. I also heard from Curry and Joker that it wasn't worth going after big name 4 and 5 star kids because we were Kentucky. Stoops and Marrow has proved that the recruiting fable is false and honestly how hard has past administrations really tired to make that BIG hire of a great "good guy" HC? Probably never.

The problem Poe is that good guy proven coaches in their prime do not come to UK. Why would they? We are a grave yard for coaching careers. We have to take shots on coordinators and up and comers and that has historically been a disaster.

So do we do what we have done in the past and get the same results (with that long shot that we find the next Petrino or Urban) or do we recognize what needs to happen to realistically become a winner and hire ourselves a proven winner still at the top of their game? I think it's time to consider the latter and take a shot at a Petrino (that ship sailed) or Briles type.

I am tired of losing and tired of playing a different game than our competition. UL, Bama, etc. are playing by different rules than Barney and we already have a hard enough time winning when the rules are the same. We either need to get serious about FB or accept we are going to suck forever.

I would rather take a little heat for vetting a guy like Briles than accept we are going to suck forever.

 

[thefolker]

Because you know them personally? Most coaches I've known personally were all gambling, drunk, panty chasing degenerates.

Looks like I missed my calling.

 

[Poetax]

The problem Poe is that good guy proven coaches in their prime do not come to UK. Why would they? We are a grave yard for coaching careers. We have to take shots on coordinators and up and comers and that has historically been a disaster.

So do we do what we have done in the past and get the same results (with that long shot that we find the next Petrino or Urban) or do we look recognize what needs to happen to realisticly become a winner and hire ourselves a proven winner still at the top of their game? I think it's time to consider the latter and take a shot at a Petrino (that ship sailed) or Briles type.

I am tired of losing and tired of playing a different game than our competition. UL, Bama, etc. are playing by different rules than Barney and we already have a hard enough time winning when the rules are the same. We either need to get serious about FB or accept we are going to suck forever.

I would rather take a little heat for vetting a guy like Briles than accept we are going to suck forever.

Ron, I'm telling you, our past administrations has never given the effort to get try and get one. We need them to remember that the Bear was once here and that wasn't a dream.

 

[RonEJones]

Ron, I'm telling you, our past administrations has never given the effort to get try and get one. We need them to remember that the Bear was once here and that wasn't a dream.

I hear you, Poe and have much respect for your FB knowledge. But what are the chances of finding the next Bear being we are UK vs. going after Briles now or Petrino back when we hired Stoops? You see how much of a PR hit UL is taking.. basically, nothing. They are media darlings and the toast of the town while we are once again, a laughing stock that can barely beat bad Sunbelt teams.

Barney needs to start vetting Briles as we speak behind the scenes. Let him know we are interested but there's some conversations and background work that needs to take place. If the interest is mutual, start laying the groundwork. When Stoops lays a big turd vs. UL and they score 100 points on us, be ready to can his butt and move forward with Briles as long Barney truly feels Briles is not Lucifer.

 

[Bluesnky]

I think we should hire a proven offense-minded head coach and then make a Grantham-like deal with a big time DC, like Derek Mason, if he gets fired from Vandy.

 

[Poetax]

I hear you, Poe and have much respect for your FB knowledge. But what are the chances of finding the next Bear being we are UK vs. going after Briles now or Petrino back when we hired Stoops? You see how much of a PR hit UL is taking.. basically, nothing. They are media darlings and the toast of the town while we are once again, a laughing stock that can barely beat bad Sunbelt teams.

Barney needs to start vetting Briles as we speak behind the scenes. Let him know we are interested but there's some conversations and background work that needs to take place. If the interest is mutual, start laying the groundwork. When Stoops lays a big turd vs. UL and they score 100 points on us, be ready to can his butt and move forward with Briles as long Barney truly feels Briles is not Lucifer.

I still think it's possible but whoever we get, it better be a home run hire, anything short of that will even offend the bluest of UK fans.

 

[Myotis]

I am tired of losing and tired of playing a different game than our competition. UL, Bama, etc. are playing by different rules than Barney and we already have a hard enough time winning when the rules are the same. We either need to get serious about FB or accept we are going to suck forever.

I would rather take a little heat for vetting a guy like Briles than accept we are going to suck forever.

The UK Administration feels differently. So you might as well get used to sucking forever, or find someone else to root for.

 

[DACats86]

I still think it's possible but whoever we get, it better be a home run hire, anything short of that will even offend the bluest of UK fans.

You are asking the impossible - Barnhart is incapable of making a home run hire. Too much work, he has to check his ego, and he has to keep his biases out of the process. None of which is something he will or can do.

 

[big mugs]

Why would Brohm not be considered? He'd be the best option, imo. I've heard people say that we can't realistically go after him because he's a "Louisville guy" who would run to UL as soon as given the chance. These same people are crestfallen that we didn't hire Petrino - who really would have screwed us for UL just as soon as the job became open. UL has something we don't when it comes to Petrino - the shame card. He'd screw us for UL in a heartbeat. If we'd hired him I think that would've been his plan all along.

 

[Poetax]

You are asking the impossible - Barnhart is incapable of making a home run hire. Too much work, he has to check his ego, and he has to keep his biases out of the process. None of which is something he will or can do.

Then we need to remove the problem so that the impossible becomes the possible.

 

[Mr Schwump]

Neal Brown will be MB's choice when the time comes. Not saying that's good or bad, just the way MB rolls.

 

[TopCatCal]

Tell me why Jeff Brohm wouldn't be interested in the UK job ? It's in the SEC compared to where he's at now. Plus UK could & would pay him 5 x what he's making now. Yeah,yeah & don't give me this ties to Uof L stuff, money talks. And with UK paying him 4 million bucks a year compared to the 800,000 dollars a year he's making now. I mean come on.

 

[Father Torque_rivals16706]

UK needs the following in a head coach:

Must be able to win with lesser talent
Must be top notch at identifying talent and coaching them up. (can't waste scholarships.
Must have prior head coaching experience (not a job for first timers)

Would be nice if they would stick around for a long time to give the program stability.
Would be nice if they had a chip on their shoulder, have something to prove

Butch Davis fits all the above criteria. The guy is a proven winner, excels at finding under the radar players and making them stars. Miami fans would take him back in a heartbeat. Read any articles you can find about him on the net, I'm still amazed somebody hasn't hired him before now.

He was cleared of any NCAA issues from the crapstorm at NC and he wants to coach again bad. He's 64 so he'd probably stay here until he retired and you can bet he'd leave the cupboard stocked for the next coach.

If I was the AD he'd be my first call.