On 10/28/2025 at 6:54 PM, DanvilleFan said:

I just don't see a world where you can bring Stoops back.  He's lost the fanbase and if he's retained you could lose players like Boley and people will just vote with their wallets and not show up to games next year.  Can't imagine NIL donors will open their pocketbooks either.

I'd also say that UK is probably not going to make a big splash with the next hire.  Yes, lots of big programs will have openings but I'd argue those candidates weren't going to consider UK anyway.  Exception might be someone like Sumrall.  But there will be a TON of heat on Mitch Barnhart if nothing is done this offseason.

IMO, I think a win over Florida on Saturday cures many of those feelings. IF they beat Florida?  UK gets either Vandy or Louisville, despite both of them being on the road to finish 6-6....IF it was Louisville to get bowl eligible? This season becomes the 1/2 sibling of the 2017 campaign, except then? Started off hot, faltered and had to beat the Cards to "get in" (I know, I know...it was at Commonwealth, but humor me here ?.

That Louisville win to get to 6-6 sparked a pretty good stretch in coming years. Sometimes that's all it takes. Saw it with the home South Carolina game in his first few years, and then again with that game. 

As far as Mitch? This actually all started with his apprehension to the NIL stuff in the beginning- he and Dabo, the kindred spirits they are. This falls on him SOOOO much more than it does Stoops IMO. 

I don't think there is any chance of Sumrall coming here with the jobs that are open, fan faved on the field/sidelines or not.  I think he wants to, but has to make the smart play for he and his. Maybe it is the play? I don't see it, though.

8 hours ago, Calico Jack said:

IMO, I think a win over Florida on Saturday cures many of those feelings. IF they beat Florida?  UK gets either Vandy or Louisville, despite both of them being on the road to finish 6-6....IF it was Louisville to get bowl eligible? This season becomes the 1/2 sibling of the 2017 campaign, except then? Started off hot, faltered and had to beat the Cards to "get in" (I know, I know...it was at Commonwealth, but humor me here ?.

That Louisville win to get to 6-6 sparked a pretty good stretch in coming years. Sometimes that's all it takes. Saw it with the home South Carolina game in his first few years, and then again with that game. 

As far as Mitch? This actually all started with his apprehension to the NIL stuff in the beginning- he and Dabo, the kindred spirits they are. This falls on him SOOOO much more than it does Stoops IMO. 

I don't think there is any chance of Sumrall coming here with the jobs that are open, fan faved on the field/sidelines or not.  I think he wants to, but has to make the smart play for he and his. Maybe it is the play? I don't see it, though.

Wouldn't disagree but I do not see this team beating Florida.  However, that is the most winnable game left outside of TN Tech.

Anyone?

Louisville game has broke me. I'm pretty loyal to my coaches. I was upset when Tubby was forced out, stuck with Cal til the end and been in Stopps' corner the whole way.

But the SEC record over the last three years, not showing up in the last game of the season two years in a row...I agree, it would be best for everyone if a way out could be found for Stoops and Kentucky. 

Brian Kelly is still available.

4 hours ago, Tranquility Base said:

Brian Kelly is still available.

Honestly he would be someone they should call. Brian Kelly may not be a very likable person, but overall he has been a very good football coach. 

I would also try to swing into the NFL ranks. Brian Daboll who was fired as the head coach of the Giants. Has some college coaching experience when he was the OC at Bama for Saban. Also coached under Bill Belichick with the Patriots. He may be get the Penn State job, but if not he would be great. 
 

Another name if he gets fired with be Mike McDaniel. He is someone that I think college players would love playing for, and honestly could be that same type of fun energy Pete Carroll brought when he coached in college after the Patriots fired him. 

I don't advocate for coaches to be fired, BUT its time for my 2 teams UK and UC to move on. 

3 minutes ago, futurecoach said:

I would also try to swing into the NFL ranks. Brian Daboll who was fired as the head coach of the Giants. Has some college coaching experience when he was the OC at Bama for Saban. Also coached under Bill Belichick with the Patriots. He may be willing to come be a head coach in college, instead of going back to being a coordinator in the NFL. 
 

Another name if he gets fired with be Mike McDaniel. He is someone that I think college players would love playing for, and honestly could be that same type of fun energy Pete Carroll brought when he coached in college after the Patriots fired him. 
 

It doesn’t seem like those type of names have been thrown out there for these other college jobs. If they have the money after paying Stoops. One of those guys could be a good swing at the fence type hire. 

I did somehow forget that Penn State was taking a strong look at Daboll. So that may not be an option. 

If Sumrall does go to Florida, Will Stein will get the first call and probably accept with his connections to the program. 
 

If not Stein, they’ll go for Dan Mullen or Brian Hartline. 

24 minutes ago, TribeTime said:

If Sumrall does go to Florida, Will Stein will get the first call and probably accept with his connections to the program. 
 

If not Stein, they’ll go for Dan Mullen or Brian Hartline. 

People keep saying Stein, but that is potentially career suicide if he really wants to be a HC.

If all is quiet through Monday Stoops is going nowhere for the time being.

Will Stein or Hartline. 

 

Surprised they did it, that check they have to cut in the next two months is gonna sting.