Kentucky football has questions, but is Mark Stoops the man to answer them?

In Mark Stoops post game presser after the Auburn loss, Mark Stoops sounded less like the confident leader fans need right now and more like a coach searching for answers he can’t seem to find. Stoops reiterated the need for improvement in "every phase" of the game; his remarks also carried a tone of resignation.

When discussing the team's struggles to finish drives and adapt to opponents, Stoops’ attempt to explain the quarterback switch from former 5-star QB Brock Vandagriff to Rutgers transfer Gavin Wimsatt came across as indecisive, suggesting a team in search of answers they don't even know the questions to.

Stoops’ comments about Auburn "covering us up and playing very aggressive" hint at a broader issue. Kentucky is simply struggling to keep pace with its SEC competitors, losing 7 straight at home. Despite addressing Kentucky's lack of offensive cohesion and struggles with depth, Stoops’ answers were repetitive and deflective. His inability to pinpoint solutions or inspire confidence in a clear game plan raises questions about whether he's the right coach to lead Kentucky, simple as that.

In a league as unforgiving as the SEC, where every game can be a litmus test for where your program is, Stoops’ struggle to find answers is concerning, considering he makes over $9 million a year and gets an automatic year added to his contract for winning 7 games (thanks Mitch). A portion of Kentucky fans have openly wondered if the “grind it out” mentality Stoops champions is enough.

It seems like that group is getting larger as Kentucky is failing to address the offensive issues Stoops has had since he has been here, regardless of the offensive staff. If Kentucky wants to be competitive, Stoops must find new answers or consider whether he’s the best fit to answer them going forward.

Saturday night was not fun, and it hasn't been fun in the last 7 home SEC games, as Kentucky is winless (2-11 in the last 13). Is it time to move on from Kentucky's winningest (and the coach with the most losses), or does Stoops deserve another couple of years to right the ship? Will fans keep showing up and showing out as they have for two seasons despite loss after loss?