Throughout the Years, One Coordinator Remains Irreplaceable

Mark Stoops will soon become Kentucky’s all-time winningest coach with a win over Miami (Ohio) in the opening week of the 2022 season. I’ve said on multiple platforms that the university should stop naming stuff around the football facility in preparation for the day he retires. His program has evolved over the years to include turnover at the offensive and defensive coordinator positions. One coach has remained constant. Recruiting Coordinator Vince Marrow has been by Stoops’ side since day one.

After taking over in-state duty in 2018, Marrow has dominated the commonwealth to include the city of Louisville. A list of his signees are too vast to take up space on this post but includes the likes of Mike Edwards, Lynn Bowden Jr., Lonnie Johnson, Josh Paschal, Luke Fortner, Jager Burton, and Kiyaunta Goodwin just to name a few. Throughout all the variables, the age old football adage remains true, “Jimmies and Joes over X’s and O’s.”

I won’t waste your time by referencing recruiting service’s matrix in order to explain Vince Marrow’s influence on the Kentucky Football program over his ten-year stay. Under his watch, UK has undeniably and successfully expanded its parameters into Ohio and secured top in-state talent. Seven Kentucky players will be participating in the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis next week. Those participating are: Wan’Dale Robinson, Darian Kinnard, Luke Fortner, Yusuf Corker, Josh Paschal, Marquan McCall, and Dare Rosenthal. Marrow courted five of the seven to Lexington. That ratio paints an accurate picture of his part in creating a roster that can now compete against the SEC’s best.  

In 2013, Mark Stoops took over a program that was talent depleted and went on to finish the season with a 2-10 record. The unpleasant bottom was necessary for a continual rise in wins and more skilled personnel. Two 5-7 seasons followed while the team’s recruiting profile continued to develop. Stoops has gone 47-29 from 2016-2021 During this six-year stretch, UK has had two offensive and defensive coordinators. One assistant coach remained consistent, Vince Marrow. Historical context of his last six seasons must be taken into consideration. Six consecutive bowl games is a program record. Same can be said of four straight postseason wins. 47-29.

How Will the OC Search Impact Recruiting?

Kentucky signed the 14^th ranked class in the nation according to On3’s 2022 Consensus Football Team Recruiting Rankings. The Wildcat’s haul included multiple offensive skill players that are a schematic fit for Liam Coen’s NFL-style system. Coen is off to the Rams and Stoops has yet to name a successor. This brings on a dilemma. Will the head coach go back to the NFL well or hire a “college” play caller? There is a difference in philosophy and career paths. Coen’s stay in Lexington was brief. Another NFL to college addition could go down the same road which would turn UK into a farm system for hopeful professional play callers. Turnover is frequent and somewhat expected in the collegiate ranks. However, continual newness would make recruiting somewhat difficult even for a proven entity like Vince Marrow.

What Does All This Mean?

Offensive and defensive coordinators have changed over the years. Recent transactions have seen DC Matt House depart for the Kansas City Chiefs. He’s now calling plays at LSU. Brad White took over for House and is a rising star. OC Eddie Gran was in charge for five seasons before Liam Coen burst on the scene in 2021. Throughout these transformations, Vince Marrow has remained by Stoops’ side. Is Marrow irreplaceable? Well nobody is, but Marrow is close. Remember, Jimmies and Joes are more important than X’s and O’s. Landing signatures is equally as vital as dialing up wheel route for a touchdown or calling a corner blitz on third and seven. Talent wins.

Mark Stoops has proven to have an excellent eye for talent. Brad White and Liam Coen are prime examples. The UK head coach is now faced with an interesting decision in his search for a new offensive play caller. Does he stick with the NFL theme even though a successful hire may put him back in the same situation 365-days from now? Should he go more of a traditional “College” hire who could remain in Lexington for more than twelve months? I don’t have the answer but do recognize the strain that this decision places on recruiting efforts. Continuity is key but could lead to a revolving door. I once thought I had a grip on the trajectory of the new OC situation, but no more. A name could surface that surprises the Big Blue Nation.

Again, college football staffs are makeshift at most locations throughout the nation. Mark Stoops has done a tremendous job of identifying and promoting leaders both internally and externally. One coach has remained consistent, Vince Marrow. Coaches like Neal Brown, Matt House, and Liam Coen made UK better. But they also benefited from the tutelage of Mark Stoops. It’s a two-way street.

Stoops has more than earned my trust both on and off the field. He will make the right hire for his program.