Did Mitch Barnhart just admit he was wrong about Mark Stoops?

Did Mitch Barnhart shift his entire philosophy overnight? After announcing Will Stein would be the head coach for Kentucky football, Mitch Barnhart, who is notoriously conservative, completely flipped the script. We are talking about an Athletic Director who was late to the NIL game, late to selling alcohol at games, and late to adapt to the modern era of college sports. And yet, regarding this hire, he sees himself and Will Stein as risk-takers.

“Coaches that play it conservative can win. Sometimes they just can't win enough," Barnhart said. "Risk takers tend to have a chance to win it all... I think he has the calculated risk factor in his DNA that I think we need if we're gonna take a step forward.”

Mitch Barnhart is right, and it sounds like a shot at Mark Stoops era

Mark Stoops always played not to lose. While that strategy kept Kentucky close in games and raised the floor of the program, it rarely resulted in big wins. Often, it resulted in mind-numbing losses and frustrating decisions. The decision to punt on 4th down against Georgia in 2024 immediately comes to mind. The inability to really take chances, to go for the kill, was something just beyond Stoops' reach.

I don't think Mitch's comments were intended as a direct, personal shot at Stoops, but rather an admission of reality for a program like Kentucky. You don't have the elite of the elite talent on the roster, so when you have your shot, you have to shoot it. You may miss, but at least you took it.

Too many times in the last few years, the staff left it in the tank, leaving fans wondering "what if." I don't think Will Stein will do that. And apparently, Mitch Barnhart doesn't think so either. The conservative era is over; it's time to take some calculated risks.

If last night at Rupp was any indication, BBN is fully on board.