Athlon ranks Mark Stoops the 73rd best coach in college football

by:Mrs. Tyler Thompson06/10/15

@MrsTylerKSR

Sad Stoops

Earlier today, Athlon Sports released its annual rankings of all 128 coaches in college football. Where did Mark Stoops land? Number 73, which was good enough for 13th best in the SEC:

73. Mark Stoops, Kentucky
Record at Kentucky: 7-17 (2 years)
Career Record: 7-17 (2 years)

Kentucky is making progress under Stoops, making the jump from two wins in 2013 to five in ’14. The Wildcats also went 2-6 in SEC play last year, equaling the amount of conference victories recorded from 2012-13. Kentucky was close to bowl eligibility in 2014, losing to Florida by six in three overtimes and by four to Louisville in the regular-season finale. The overall talent level and direction of this program have each improved since Stoops took over after the 2012 season. The next challenge is getting Kentucky to the postseason. With 12 starters back, that could happen this fall.

This season is “show me” season for Stoops, so I’d say that’s about right. Hopefully, 6+ wins will give Stoops a nice boost up the rankings next year.

Here’s where Athlon ranked the rest of the SEC coaches:

1. Nick Saban, Alabama
9. Gus Malzahn, Auburn
11. Steve Spurrier, South Carolina
16. Mark Richt, Georgia
17. Gary Pinkel, Mizzou
19. Dan Mullen, Mississippi State
20. Hugh Freeze, Ole Miss
24. Les Miles, LSU
25. Butch Jones, Tennessee
26. Kevin Sumlin, Texas A&M
27. Bret Bielema, Arkansas
54. Jim McElwain, Florida
73. Mark Stoops, Kentucky
107. Derek Mason, Vanderbilt

At least we’re not Vandy!

[Athlon]

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