Mark Stoops made it clear at SEC Media Days that he thinks the best days are still ahead for UK football. (UK Athletics Photo)
It was not a brag. It was just facts. Kentucky coach Mark Stoops is second only to Alabama coach Nick Saban in longevity among Southeastern Conference coaches as he prepares for his ninth season. He’s won three straight bowl games and is the only UK coach ever to take a team to five straight bowl games.
“I said it when I got to Kentucky that we were going to recruit, we were going to develop, we were going to compete, and I wanted to take this program to national prominence, and people laughed at me,” Stoops said Tuesday at the SEC Media Days.
No one is laughing now.
SEC Network analyst Cole Cubelic picked UK to finish second in the SEC East behind Georgia but ahead of Florida and others. That’s respect seldom shown to UK football and never really shown before Stoops’ arrival.
“We’re not there yet, but we’re on our way,” Stoops said. “I’m going to continue to work. I feel good about where we’re at. I think we have a very good team, and we have some things in place, and we’re constantly learning, constantly growing, and we’re getting better.”
However, Stoops knows not to take anything for granted. He found out earlier Tuesday that starting tight end Keaton Upshaw could be out for the season after suffering an injury during conditioning workouts. He still has to find a starting quarterback.
“I want to put my head down at Kentucky and continue to work so I’m here next year. But also I really want to continue to grow this program,” he said.
14 Responses
Always knew Stoops would get the Cats to a higher place. He just needed some time. With a little more time he will get them even higher. If a fan is not happy with what Stoops has done so far then they can’t be made happy. Go Cats!!!
He has done remarkable job
Coach’s modesty plus confidence stood out in his remarks yesterday. It is really a plus for UK athletics to have such a knowledgeable and skillful coach. What stands out is Coach Stoops work to develop young men to succeed in life as well as on the field.
Much more confident than past years
I’m glad that Mitch stick with him in Stoops early years as UK coach . I remember to this day there were a lot of fans wanted him out in his first 3-4 years as the coach. He has made our football program to its new heights we have never seen.
Kind of like what Mitch did with Brooks
Larry, in todays world some AD’s or school higher ups just don’t have the patient to give coaches time to turn a program around.
You got that right Cats
I remember after 3 or 4 years as UK’s head coach, the media ranked Coach Stoops near the bottom of the SEC coaches. Also, he was picked most likely to be fired first of the 5 head coaches that were hired that year at SC, UT, Ark, Aub and Fl (?). Funny, Coach Stoops is the only one still standing while some of the others have had multiple coaches since Stoops arrival. Coach is starting to earn the respect he deserves based on his total body work and progression from year to year.
Good memory Darrell
I am very confident about the future of our football program with Stoops leading it. He has made us a serious competitive threat in the SEC and continues to break through. I now expect to win or have a very legitimate chance to win in about every game we plan (BAMA only exception). I was at the UGA game when we almost won. Just give him time and I truly believe we will be in Atlanta.
I am with you Krystal and maybe this is the year. But even a 9-win season would be terrific.
I have loved Stoops Troops since he arrived and he continues to build an awesome Army of Winners. Love Coach Stoops and his loyalty. Thank you to the Administration and boosters for believing in him and helping him build Kentucky’s Dream !!!!!
So do I RKC