Alright, the bad part is out of the way. Mark Stoops is gone.
He had a couple of good years, but let's be honest: he just couldn't get talent evaluation down in the new era of college football. We watched way too much money get invested in the wrong players at the wrong positions at the wrong time, like bringing in Zach Calzada when you already had Cutter Boley waiting in the wings. He tied up over a million dollars on a QB who barely played.
And then the results were abysmal. Kentucky lost by at least 20 points in five of their seven losses this year. That is unacceptable.
But now, the page turns. A new coach is on the way, and we are going to look at some dream candidates out there who could reinvigorate this program. Make a call to one of these 5 names, Mitch.
The offensive innovators top the list for Kentucky football
People are clamoring for an offense that is fun, explosive, and innovative. That means looking at the offensive side of the ball first.
1. Will Stein (Oregon OC):
Stein grew up in Kentucky, played at Louisville, and is one of the great young minds in the sport. He has kept Oregon a scoring machine. He knows the territory, he knows how to run an offense, and he is ready for a big job.
2. Brian Hartline (Ohio State OC):
Hartline is familiar with the recruiting area, is a national champion, and is arguably the best recruiter in the country. He is another great young mind coming through the coaching ranks who would instantly upgrade the talent level in Lexington.
3. Mike Shanahan (Indiana OC):
Shanahan followed Curt Cignetti from JMU to Indiana and has kept the Hoosiers' offense rolling. While not related to the NFL Shanahans, he has that same innovative spark. Doing it against Big Ten defenses proves he can bring that offense with him wherever he goes.
The pie in the sky names
Jon Gruden: His name always pops up. The former Super Bowl winner who now works with Barstool would be a massive splash. The downside? Kentucky likely wants to go younger and avoid the circus that comes with Gruden. But you never know.
Kenny Dillingham: One of the best young head coaches in the game. He builds a sustainable culture and has Arizona State punching above its weight. Pulling him away from his alma mater would be tough, but if Mitch Barnhart wants to swing for the fences, this is the swing.
Which of these do you want to see on the sidelines next year? Micah 7:7.