Vince Marrow delivers message to Kentucky fans after Louisville move

On June 9, Vince Marrow accepted an offer to be Louisville‘s executive director of player personnel and recruiting. Marrow was Kentucky’s associate head coach, tight ends coach and recruiting coordinator, and had been with the program since 2013 when Mark Stoops was hired as head coach.

Marrow has been offered other coaching jobs in the past but turned them down to stay in Lexington. Thus, fans were surprised when Marrow announced he’d be leaving the Wildcats to join their in-state rival, Louisville. While the feeling might not be reciprocated by every member of Big Blue Nation, Vince Marrow still has love for Kentucky fans.

“I want to talk to you guys, the Big Blue Nation. I really love you guys, and I really, really appreciate because you guys really helped me build my career with your support from when I first came here,” Marrow said. “I remember everybody told me, ‘Why are you going there? You guys are gonna be fired in two years.’

“I was the lowest-paid coach. I heard all the jokes. I wanted to build and bring players in so we can win and we can have some pride and dignity. It is hard. I’m not gonna even sugar coat it. It’s hard because of my loyalty to, really, you guys, the fans. But this is a job opportunity I feel I can’t pass up. I passed up several other ones that you guys, as the fans, know about.”

Marrow proved his naysayers wrong during his time at Kentucky. For three consecutive seasons before Marrow joined Kentucky football, the program had posted losing records. By Marrow’s fourth season at Kentucky, the Wildcats began consistently winning games.

The team’s success culminated in two 10-win season in 2018 and 2021. Marrow’s recruiting was largely responsible for Kentucky’s uptick in success. He was the main recruiter for some of Kentucky’s biggest stars in the past decade, including standouts like Lynn Bowden Jr. and Benny Snell Jr.

Alas, Kentucky hasn’t reached its former heights in the past few seasons and finished with a 4-8 record last season. Thus, it was difficult for Vince Marrow to turn down Jeff Brohm‘s offer when the Louisville head coach reached out to him.

“But just like a lot of you guys, got families, a lot of you guys have opportunities with different jobs, and you move and take it. You’re doing what’s best for your family. I’m doing what’s best for my career,” Marrow said.

“I really enjoyed being here 13 years with you guys because you guys are a really good fan base. To the Big Blue Nation, one of the best. I’m pretty sure y’all are gonna boo me when I come back, though, but I really do love you guys.”