Kentucky Wildcats Football: Analyzing the options Part I

November 10, 2012; Gainesville FL, USA; Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns head coach Mark Hudspeth reacts during the second half against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida won 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE

MARK HUDSPETH – Head Coach @ Louisiana-Lafayette
Why he fits: Hudspeth is a relatively hot name in coaching right now. His ULL teams are well coached and are usually good for one or two big upsets a season and are coming off of the programs first bowl win ever. Hudspeth has extensive ties to the south in recruiting as well.

Why he doesn’t fit: For every bug game the Ragin’ Cajuns win, there’s always one that they lose that they shouldn’t have. Hudspeth is only in his second season as a head coach and has never even been a coordinator in a BCS conference. There are so many unknowns surrounding him, particularly regarding his ability to win consistently, that he has to be considered a very risky option.

The verdict: I like Hudspeth, but he hasn’t earned it just yet. He is probably still 2-3 impressive seasons from being a serious candidate for a SEC job (even lowly UK). He is barely over .500 in the Sun Belt conference and that doesn’t exactly foretell immediate success in the SEC. Hudspeth should only be considered if all else fails, as there are infinitely better options at his point.
Grade: C-
Chances: Last resort

WILLIE TAGGERT – Head Coach @ WKU
Why he fits: Taggert is an exciting young coach that has quickly turned Western Kentucky from a joke to one of the best teams in their conference. He knows how to win, he’s not afraid to take chances, and he has a little Harbaugh in him. He is going to be on a lot of people’s short list each offseason.

Why he doesn’t fit: Taggert tips at his alma mater right now and is in line for a big fat extension. He’s building the team his way, has complete support from his school’s administration, and deals with fan expectations that are non-existent. He’s got it made. From the other end though, UK would be taking a risk on a guy that has never coached at a BCS school and has no track record to fall back on.

The verdict: I highly doubt Taggert makes a move to UK from WKU. Stranger things have happened,
But it’s a long shot at best.
Grade: B
Chances: Long shot

BOBBY PETRINO – Unemployed
Why he fits: This is just to easy. Petrino runs a high octane offense, but not a gimmick. His system is proven to be successful in the SEC and he has a record of winning and winning fast at every school he has worked at. He would help open a pipeline into Trinity high school and is a proven recruiter as well. Petrino was able to take Arkansas from a mid-tier SEC team to contending for a BCS bowl in less than a year. Bobby Petrino wins, wins consistently, and has never been involved in NCAA sanctions.

Why he doesn’t fit: Petrino was unceremoniously fired from Arkansas for an inappropriate relationship with a female staff member. He left Atlanta mid-season. He met with Auburn despite having a contract with Louisville and Auburn having a contract with Tuberville. He’s a sleaze ball that will always have his eye on the next best coaching job. The only real question, is whether he would take the UK job or if UK were to get outbid by another suitor.

The Verdict: You cannot seriously name a guy that would be a better candidate to come in right now and turn the Kentucky program around immediately. We’re not hiring an preacher here, we’re hiring a coach. Worst case scenario: Petrino is at UK for three years, wins 65% of his games, changes the culture in Lexington forever, and leaves for another school making the job infinitely more attractive for our next coach. Best case scenario: Irrelevant, worst case scenario is still better than anything UK has ever had.
Grade: A
Verdict: Serious option

PHIL FULMER – Unemployed
Why he fits: He’s unemployed and used to be a good coach. Mitch Barnhart worked with him at Tennessee.

Why he doesn’t fit: Fulmer was unable to win at Tennessee despite having infinitely superior resources to what he would have at UK. The man had clearly had lost his edge at the end down in Tennessee, and now people think three years away from the game will somehow make him better?

The verdict: Phil Fulmer is not the answer for success at UK short term or long term. There is no potential hire that I would hate more than Fulmer.
Grade: D
Chances: Serious option (unfortunately)