Big Blue Nation has been dreaming of a coaching change, a fresh start to reignite a football program sinking into apathy and irrelevance. A new leader who won't say the things Mark Stoops has said. Many pinned those hopes on a familiar name: Jon Sumrall. But those dreams are rapidly turning into a nightmare, as Sumrall appears destined for a major SEC job, just not the one in Lexington.
Dreams turn to dust
As more signs point towards Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart sticking with Mark Stoops despite mounting losses and fan frustration, Kentucky's own Jon Sumrall is becoming one of the hottest names on the coaching carousel for other schools. His success, combined with Kentucky's apparent inaction, means the Wildcats might miss their window entirely.
The Sumrall sweepstakes heats up
The firing of Brian Kelly at LSU immediately thrust Sumrall into the spotlight. Reports suggest he isn't just a candidate in Baton Rouge; he could be the candidate. Sumrall's background makes him a near-perfect fit: he has deep recruiting ties in Louisiana and Alabama from his time at Tulane and Troy, SEC experience as a player and coach at Kentucky, and an impressive head coaching record (a combined 38-10 over the last three-plus seasons, including a strong 6-1 start this year at Tulane). He's a proven winner with intimate knowledge of the conference landscape. Those kind of guys don't just pop up very often.
Another potential landing spot looms large: Auburn. The Tigers ironically face the Cats this weekend. It will be the "Loser Leaves Town" bowl for the coaches, though the fans of whichever team wins may revolt. The winner will almost surely keep their head coach for one more season. If Kentucky wins, Sumrall would undoubtedly be high on Auburn's list. If Auburn wins, LSU is still right there and Mitch Barnhart is dug in defending Mark Stoops.
Is Barnhart's loyalty costing Kentucky's future?
Many Kentucky fans hoped Sumrall, the hometown hero, could be the one to eventually lead the Wildcats back to relevance like he has done at Troy and Tulane. Now, that possibility feels increasingly remote. If LSU contacts him, Sumrall will likely be off the market before the Kentucky job even potentially opens.
It paints a grim picture: Mitch Barnhart's perceived desire to preserve his legacy hire in Mark Stoops, despite overwhelming evidence of stagnation (1-10 SEC record since 2024 start), could cost Kentucky not just wins in the present, but the program's future as well. While Barnhart preaches patience, other SEC programs are acting decisively, potentially snatching Kentucky's best hope for a revival right out from under them.
Thanks, Mitch.
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