Coaches Remain Cordial ahead of Governor's Cup

Hating Louisville is easy when Bobby Petrino is the head coach. It only took one game for Scott Satterfield to whine his way into the spot of our hearts reserved for hate. Thanks to his contributions, the Ls Down isn’t going anywhere any time soon. Now Mark Stoops has a new foe in the Governor’s Cup, Jeff Brohm, and so far the two sides are playing nice.

“I like Coach Stoops. I think he’s a really good football coach, he’s a good person. He’s been able to build up the Kentucky brand and program. He’s a football guy comes from a football family, so I have a lot of respect for that. And I think he wants to win,” the first-year Louisville head coach said Monday.

“He surrounds himself with some good coaches on his staff, he’s been able to recruit good talent and he’s done a good job. I have a great deal of respect for him and it’s going to take our best effort to win.”

Governor’s Cup Coaches come from Football Families

Even though one is from Youngstown and one is from Louisville, they do have similar blue collar upbringings. Their parents coached high school football. All of the brothers played football together at the same college, then started their coaching career at that school to rise up the ranks. Even though the two have not spent a great deal of time together, the respect is mutual.

“I wouldn’t say great friends or anything, but way back when he was at Western (Kentucky) and we’d cross over at certain things, I’ve always liked him,” said Stoops. “I said that when he was first hired that I certainly like him and have a lot of respect for him and his brother, Brian. Coming from a family of coaches, much like ours, so good man and done a great job.” 

The two crossed paths back in 2021. People forget that Brian Brohm was a candidate to become Stoops’ offensive coordinator. The younger Brohm interviewed for the job, but ultimately Stoops selected Liam Coen to lead the Kentucky offense.

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Playing Nice… for Now

The Kentucky and Louisville head coaches can share friendly remarks because the two have yet to go toe-to-toe on the gridiron or the recruiting trail. The Cats have commitments from five of the top six players in the state. Those were players Louisville didn’t really recruit. The Cards’ lone in-state commitment, Shaun Boykins, received tepid interest from Kentucky. Brohm and Co. have spent more resources hitting the portal and recruiting high school players from Florida, than competing against Kentucky in the region.

That all will change on Saturday. As the SEC mulls the idea of adding a ninth conference game, there’s a potential expiration date on this series, adding a sense of urgency to secure instate bragging rights for each respective fanbase.

“Looking forward to going up there and playing for the Governor’s Cup,” said Stoops. “It should be a great game.” 

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