Joker Phillips Press Conference Quotes

As was reported earlier today, Joker Phillips was officially announced as UK's next Head Football Coach as a press conference at 4 today.  Along with that, Rich Brooks had his contract extended through 2011 with a raise up to 1.6 million dollars per year.  Here are some quotes from the press conference. Joker Phillips "When Rich is ready to go fishing, I am looking foward to running this program." "This is all about continuity, it has nothing to do with me being African-American. It's all about production on the field." Rich Brooks "I don't want any insecurity from parents and players on what might happen when I step down...This will hopefully clear up any continuity issues." "I think this move is historic for the University of Kentucky, and for the SEC." "He's (Phillips) is a tireless worker. He is selling the Univeristy of Kentucky everyday, a great recruiter, and he knows how to coach." (When asked what would happen if another school approached Phillips) "It might make me go fishing a little earlier." Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart "It's his leadership, and day-to-day intercation with the guys. Clearly he (Brooks) had a belief that the time was right to continue the success at UK." "This will certainly cut down on the costs of a coaching search." Brooks was also asked if he still wanted to be the longest tenured coach in UK history, which would require Brooks to stay at the school 4 more years through 2011.  His response was: "It's still a goal of mine.  But, I'm 66 now and your never know what might happen."  All in all, a very upbeat and joyous press conference.  Alot of laughs and it appears to be a very exciting time within the program.  The most interesting thing that I got from the presser was the fact that Barnhart said other schools could still approach Phillips, meaning this announcement has no contractual backing.  But, with Phillips UK background and history, I find it hard to believe he leaves before becoming the next head coach at Kentucky.