Late Sunday night, the rumor mill surrounding the embattled Kentucky football program churned into high gear. ESPN Radio in Lexington broke the news that sources indicated Offensive Coordinator Bush Hamdan could be fired as early as Tuesday. The report sent a wave of relief through a fanbase fed up with an anemic offense, but it also sparked a classic "battle of sources."
The deeper problem: Stoops's sandbox
While Hamdan has been the target of fan frustration, many recognize a deeper issue: no offensive coordinator has truly been successful under Mark Stoops. Even current NFL head coach Liam Coen, the closest to a success story, struggled with the constraints of Stoops’s conservative philosophy.
Top offensive minds want the autonomy to run a system that is best for the offense. At Kentucky, the unwritten rule is that the offense must first and foremost serve the defense. This means a slow, plodding, risk-averse style that is ill-suited for the modern SEC. As we’ve reported previously, Stoops’s claims of “zero involvement” are contradicted by his own public statements.
KSR pushes back on firing timeline
Shortly after the initial report, KSR revealed that their sources indicated there was no immediate plan in place to fire Hamdan. This created a whirlwind of speculation and confusion, with fans left to wonder which report was accurate.
For now it seems Hamdan is safe, but that all could all change as the day progress. Keep it here as we break any news.
A scapegoat is inevitable
Ultimately, the exact timing of a potential move is secondary to the grim reality of the situation. With Mark Stoops protected by a buyout of over $35 million, he is effectively untouchable, even if the head coach and AD are in a game of chicken. Therefore, if a change is to be made to appease a restless fanbase and donor base, a scapegoat is required.
Hamdan, as the face of the failing offense, is the easiest and most logical choice. While the reports of his imminent firing may have been premature, the chances of him returning as Kentucky’s offensive coordinator in 2026 are slim to none. His seat isn't just hot; it's scorching. And if Stoops isn't going anywhere, someone is.
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time he enjoys downtime with his family and Premier League soccer. You can find him on X here. Micah 7:7. #UptheAlbion