Mark Stoops says "time for reflection" is coming, staff changes possible?

There’s plenty to celebrate when it comes to Kentucky’s fourth consecutive victory over Louisville, with the Wildcats’ 26-13 win over the Cardinals proving once again the gap between the two in-state programs remains significant. That celebration won’t last long, though, as the individual win doesn’t replace a season full of missed opportunities. There were some ups — Florida, Mississippi State and Louisville being the big ones — but the downs were crushing, ranging from the self-inflicted errors at Ole Miss to the injuries and miscues vs. South Carolina, the bloodbath at Tennessee and the embarrassing effort vs. Vanderbilt.

Realistic or not, there were dreams of competing in the SEC East with a collection of star talent going into the year, specifically on offense. Instead, the offense inexplicably failed to get rolling, never hitting the 30-point mark beyond September and just three times overall. The final result? A 7-5 record with some fair concerns going into postseason play and the offseason in general.

Now, head coach Mark Stoops is ready to address those concerns head-on.

“I think there will be time for reflection and looking at everything. There are always what-ifs,” Stoops said after the win over Louisville. “It’s not like I’m going to live in the what-if world all the time, but you have to really look at things and make sure we’re growing and moving the program to where we all want it to be.”

An illegal motion penalty wiped away a game-winning touchdown for Kentucky at Ole Miss, ultimately resulting in the team’s first loss of the season. And then an illegal hands to the face penalty vs. Vanderbilt set up a game-winning touchdown drive for the Commodores. There’s the difference between a nine-win regular season and the seven wins the Wildcats ultimately picked up.

It’s on Stoops to figure out how to avoid those what-ifs, though. That’s the difference between the average, good and great teams in the SEC.

“You know, there is part of you that could sit there and look at two penalties away, but that’s my job to make sure we don’t have those two penalties or play better to where a penalty doesn’t change the outcome of a game,” he said. “That what-if sticks in fans’ minds and my mind as well. You know, very easily could control winning a few more, and that hurts because we all know how competitive this league is. Take a look at it. I don’t know, it’s been wild. But you look at the SEC and the way everybody finishes.

“There are a lot of people logjammed in the middle. But there are some elite teams that have played extremely well this year and a lot of guys fighting hard and competing.”

The how starts now, with those conversations now underway with the regular season officially over.

“Right now, I guess it’s called relief to get that victory right there. It’s going to be short-lived,” Stoops said. “I got to get to work (Sunday) and really take a good look at things and see where we are at and go from there.”

Where will Stoops look? The obvious answer is on the offensive side of the football, specifically with Rich Scangarello at coordinator. Kentucky’s offense finished the year ranked No. 106 in college football averaging just 336.3 yards per game, dead last in the SEC. Scoring offense? No. 105 with 22.1 points per game, dead last in the SEC.

Could a change come at OC? KSR’s Matt Jones says “at least 2” moves will be made to the UK football staff “and maybe more.” As for Scangarello specifically, he says a final decision isn’t expected “for at least a few days” one way or the other.

I think there will be a number of changes to the UK Football coaching staff…at least 2 and maybe more

— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) November 27, 2022

As far as the Offensive Coordinator, I don’t expect a decision for at least a few days

— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) November 27, 2022

Part of the delay (or in-depth reflection regarding the position) involves Kentucky’s search for a replacement at quarterback when Will Levis ultimately declares for the 2023 NFL Draft. The players they are considering, Jones says, aren’t expected to make a decision anytime soon, allowing for Stoops to take his time with any major moves.

Kentucky is looking at a number of QBs in the portal but I don’t think any of them are planning a quick decision, which is in part why the OC decision may take a little time as well

— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) November 27, 2022

A new and significant twist regarding potential staff changes? Vince Marrow is expected to be a head coaching candidate at Cincinnati following Luke Fickell’s move to Wisconsin, announced earlier Sunday. Stoops’ right-hand man since he first arrived in Lexington, it would be a brutal blow to Kentucky’s recruiting efforts at the very surface — his value to the program extends well beyond that area.

Vince Marrow is going to be one of the candidates for the Cincinnati job. No idea how high he will be on the list but he will be a contender

— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) November 27, 2022

Going to be a hectic few days and weeks, to put it lightly.