Replacing Steve Clinkscale

Kentucky defensive backs coach Steve Clinkscale is apparently off to Michigan. Kentucky’s secondary has been a team strength for the past three years. The Wildcats finished the 2019 and 2020 season ranked as the SEC’s top pass defense. It also led the league with 16 interceptions a year ago which was good enough to lead the league and place third in the nation. Clinkscale has also proven to be an invaluable recruiter in Michigan, Nashville, and in the junior college ranks. There’s no way around it; losing Clink is going to hurt. But, Mark Stoops has nailed his recent defensive hires and the program will enact its “Next man up” mentality to fill the void left by Clinkscale’s exit.

Steve Clinkscale has developed four NFL Draft picks in the past three years. Safety Mike Edwards surpassed the 300-tackle club under his tutelage and has since excelled in the National Football League as a Tampa Bay Buccaneer. Three cornerbacks have also departed Lexington for the professional ranks: Lonnie Johnson, Kelvin Joseph, and Brendin Echols. Kentucky is a player development program. Clinkscale was one of Stoops’ better coaches at molding prospects into contributors/starters.

He was equally as successful on the recruiting trail, landing multiple starters including linebacker DeAndre Square, nose tackle Marquan McCall, and safety Yusuf Corker. Clinkscale secured the signature of rising star Justin Rogers. He was joined by Brad White and Liam Coen in securing commitments from 4-star prospects Keaten and Destin Wade out of the Nashville area.

Clinkscale was recently elevated to “Passing game coordinator”; however, this wasn’t enough to keep the Youngstown, Ohio native in Lexington. Michigan is an attractive logo. But this transaction feels like a lateral move at best. Trajectories for the Wildcats and Wolverines are on different paths going into the 2021 season. UK is riding the momentum of a flashy new offensive coordinator hire from the NFL and the addition of Wan’Dale Robinson to go along with an NFL Draft that produced six selections. The Wolverines, well, beat Minnesota in the opener and later struggled to top 3-6 Rutgers for its only two wins of the 2020 season.

The temperature on Wolverine head coach Jim Harbaugh’s seat is warming following a disappointing 2-4 season a year ago. Michigan’s record during Harbaugh’s tenure is 49-22. He’s yet to beat arch-rival Ohio State and hasn’t won a bowl game since 2015. Furthermore, the Michigan head coach is 1-4 against Michigan State and 1-8 against ranked teams. Things aren’t exactly ideal in Ann Arbor.

What Does All This Mean? 

May is not a good month to be searching for a secondary coach. Mark Stoops is also tasked with replacing one of his ace recruiters. Full disclosure, I like Steve Clinkscale, a lot. He’s a good man with a great family and I wish him nothing but the very best; however, the show and the 2021 season must go on.

Frank Buffano is UK’s safeties coach and has been with Stoops for a very long time. He was hired off the support staff but had extended coaching experience. He’s proven to be a quality addition. UK’s safeties are projected to be a defensive strength in 2021. The UK head coach also works with the secondary. So, a knee-jerk, immediate hire may not be the play. However, fall camp is becoming closer by the day. Much like with Buffano, hiring from within is an option in addition to a national search for the top available candidate.

Kentucky is replacing both starting cornerback starters. Kelvin Joseph and Bradin Echols are now starting their professional careers. Cedrick Dort is a projected starter and has vast experience at the position. Carrington Valentine will also vie for a starting role but requires development. UK’s cornerback room is talented but filled with inexperience. 2021 is a vital year in the progress of youthful talent. This hire is imperative for both coaching and recruiting.

Coordinator Brad White is faced with replacing six starters. Now, add a vital member of the defensive staff to the list. Stay tuned for updates.