Mark Stoops: New Kentucky Football Coach

I gotta say – I’m a bit surprised Stoops took this job. Look at the last four coaches at Kentucky – Joker Phillips, Rich Brooks, Guy Morriss, Hal Mumme. What have they done since leaving UK? It isn’t a springboard to a better job. It’s a basketball school. And then, take a look at the SEC East: Georgia, Florida, South Carolina … not to mention Vanderbilt is on a rise.

If Charlie Strong stays in Louisville – he’ll probably get a few calls in the coming weeks – Stoops has a major uphill climb. If Tennessee lands Jon Gruden, Stoops has a major uphill climb. Obviously, if neither of those happened, Stoops would be thrilled.

I’m just not sure why Stoops wouldn’t go the mid-major route – grab a job MAC or WAC, kick ass, then 2-3 years later get an attractive gig in a major conference.

Kentucky went 2-10 this season, and was 0-8 in the SEC. Stoops first call should be to … John Calipari. He’s going to need his support.

That leaves the following major jobs open: Arkansas, NC State, Auburn, Tennessee, California and Boston College.