As does WKU. All 3 FBS Schools in state now has African-American coaches. That says great things about The Bluegrass.

The state of Kentucky has come a long way.

To the credit of the news reports I saw, not one single report mentioned the fact that he (or the other coaches) are African Americans. I think it does speak well of the state and the fans of all the schools that we have made strides, much more so than many of the other SEC schools.

 

I don't really care if the coach is purple, green, or chartruise, as long as they Win...GO CATS

I have serious concerns about Joker. I think he is GREAT recruiter and recruiting coordinator, but I have had questions about his play calling at times.

 

I don't see him having the three year window Rich had, Kentucky fans are a fickle bunch and have (I can't believe I am saying this) a bit spoiled and if he does not win or continue at the same or near the same pace he will be in trouble pretty quick.

 

I think UK jumped the gun naming him coach in waiting. I think at the level the program is at now they could have gotten a proven coach. I will say this being a Kentuckian will help Joker and I certianly wish him the best. I have met him several times and he is a great ambassador to the University and the program.

 

Good Luck Coach Phillips!!!

 

 

I thought the same thing as you, until someone else mentioned that Brooks may have had more to do with the conservative play calling than Phillips, per Brooks's game plan. I'll give Joker the benefit of the doubt and hope he opens up the passing game a lil bit, especially now that Newton's a Sophomore and he's got Ryan Mosssoalsodjkjekrjeaaakkki right on his heels.

As does WKU. All 3 FBS Schools in state now has African-American coaches. That says great things about The Bluegrass.

 

Does it really matter what color if they win?

I think more pressure is on Joker because he's following a guy that has been to a bunch of straight bowls with some wins over top notch teams in the country.

Strong is coming into a program that is a mess so the expectations aren't as high starting off. It's a lot easier to win at UofL then in the SEC East too no doubt!

I hope they both do well. They both seem to be quality men/leaders. I know Joker is don't really know Strong. Wish them both nothing but the best!

 

There are "gay bowls" out there?

There are "gay bowls" out there?

 

Yes there are (seriously).

 

Yes there are (seriously).

 

 

That is frightening.

Joker had as much to do with KY's recent success than Brooks, imo. I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do.

A lot of the talent they have on the roster right now is because of Joker and his recruiting. Id venture to say that a lot of players have chosen to go to UK to play for Joker more so than Brooks. Now that he is the head coach it may be even more successful getting top talent to come play for him.

 

Now that he is a head coach it will take away from him being out and recruiting as much because now he will be more of the closer who seals the deal with the recruit. Its the assistants that get out and lay the ground work for the head coach to close the deal so he'll need to hire someone who can recruit well to fill his spot. Wonder if he will continue to call the plays or if he'll give that up.

I looked a little and didn't see but does anyone know who we drop and pick up from the west next year and who our 4 non-conference games are against?

I look for Coach Phillips to pick up another team from a BCS conference to add with L'ville in the next couple of years.

I think Coach Phillips is an excellent choice. I wish him the best and am already excited to get next year started.

I don't know if he is the right man for the job. Only time will tell. I think he has a good chance of being successful, if he can continue landing good recruits. Wins and bowl games help with that.

 

As far as a time frame, 2-3 years.

 

I think this is an important question that needs thought/discussion:

Is Joker the coach to take us to the next level in the SEC? How long can/will the UK fan base be happy with wins over Middle Tennessee and EKU, and losses to Tennessee and Florida?

 

I think we are close as we all saw this year. However, a step backward will be a big step backward.

I looked a little and didn't see but does anyone know who we drop and pick up from the west next year and who our 4 non-conference games are against?

 

East (as always): Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vanderbilt

West: Auburn, Ole Miss, Mississippi State

Non-Conference: Louisville, Western Kentucky, Akron, Charleston Southern

 

I'm not sure what order the games are, but similar to this year.

A lot of the talent they have on the roster right now is because of Joker and his recruiting. Id venture to say that a lot of players have chosen to go to UK to play for Joker more so than Brooks. Now that he is the head coach it may be even more successful getting top talent to come play for him.

 

Now that he is a head coach it will take away from him being out and recruiting as much because now he will be more of the closer who seals the deal with the recruit. Its the assistants that get out and lay the ground work for the head coach to close the deal so he'll need to hire someone who can recruit well to fill his spot. Wonder if he will continue to call the plays or if he'll give that up.

 

No, Joker will not be calling plays next year. That is what Barnhart said in an interview.

East (as always): Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vanderbilt

West: Auburn, Ole Miss, Mississippi State

Non-Conference: Louisville, Western Kentucky, Akron, Charleston Southern

 

I'm not sure what order the games are, but similar to this year.

 

You win all 4 non conference games, and two or three conference games and you're in a bowl. This is exactly what Brooks did. The same should be expected from Phillips. Really the thrill of being one of 68 teams to reach a bowl is a little overstated. It's not that great an achievement.

No, Joker will not be calling plays next year. That is what Barnhart said in an interview.

I hope that is not Mitch Barnhart's decision.