Mark Stoops credits relationship with fans for long tenure at Kentucky

As Kentucky Football continues to trend upwards, Mark Stoops’ name continues to be popular when it comes to job openings at other programs. Stoops didn’t address speculation he would leave Kentucky directly on today’s SEC Teleconference but did find a way to make it clear he’s happy in Lexington. Edgar Thompson asked Stoops, the second-longest tenured coach in the SEC, about the turnover in the sport in recent years. Stoops used it as an opportunity to reflect on his career at Kentucky thus far.

“I don’t put a whole heck of a lot of thought into that. I’m really just grateful for the opportunity that I’ve had here and try to make the most of it.”

Stoops has said many times he approached his ninth season as a reboot, bringing in Liam Coen and playmakers to retool the offense. He echoed those comments today.

“For me, heading into this year I was very excited. I made some changes to the staff. I really felt like after eight years going on nine, was hitting the reset button for me — and it’s played out that way. We certainly wish we could have had a couple more wins, a couple of plays away, but most people can say that.”

“I feel like I have a great relationship with the fans here”

Thompson followed up with a question about Stoops’ alma mater, Iowa. Hayden Fry was the Hawkeyes’ head coach during Stoops’ playing days and stayed there 20 seasons in total. His successor, Kirk Ferentz, is in his 23rd year as head coach. Stoops likened their situations in Iowa City to his in Lexington in that the fanbase makes it pretty appealing to stay the course.

“For myself, it was a great experience just playing under Hayden Fry and learning from him and being a part of it, but I think it just says a lot about the fanbase and the people and the way the coach and people treat each other. I think there’s a lot to be said about that and I can relate to it because I feel like I have a great relationship with the fans here. That doesn’t mean they’re not upset and pissed when you lose and want more; that’s part of it. We all want that and we want high expectations so I think it’s important to have a good relationship with people. That’s part of the reason why I’ve been here for nine years, because I feel that’s a good relationship.“

A few other notes from the teleconference…

Stoops “very pleased” with team’s mindset in practice this week

Kentucky’s SEC schedule is over but there is still plenty of work to do to finish the season strong. Stoops said he is “very pleased” with his team’s mindset in practice this week. The beautiful fall weather helps.

“I really challenged them on Monday to just continue to push, continue to focus on the little things. We still have a lot of inexperience and just pushing these players to get better as the season goes on. I’ve been very pleased with the start of the week. Part of the thing that helps is we’ve had beautiful weather here this time of year in Kentucky and it’s been really good. We have another great day today and I think that helps with the spirits.”

Everyone enjoy the mild weather while you can!

Transfer portal “definitely” shakes up recruiting strategies

Stoops and staff aren’t only in the final stretch of the season. Early Signing Day is less than a month away. Add in constantly evaluating new options in the transfer portal and it’s officially No-Stop November in the training facility.

“It definitely has,” Stoops said when asked if the transfer portal has shifted focus in recruiting. “There’s no mistaking that. Roster management and the portal and filling gaps and even your own attrition, what you anticipate, and just things of that nature, it’s constant. How is it different? It adds a lot more to your plate every day. We all recruit every day with the prospects but managing it and talking with my people and looking at numbers and where are we going with the portal, it’s time-consuming.

“We’re constantly —I just got out of that lunch meeting going through that, grinding on that so it really never ends. Let’s put it this way, it adds a few more pieces to the puzzle right now.”

I can’t help but compare these comments about recruiting to Dan Mullen’s from a few weeks ago.