[outdoorsman43]

What reasons were there for giving Rich Brooks more time? Again, I am not saying that Joker is good, all I am saying is that if he stayed I would not be surprised. There was absolutely no reason to give Rich Brooks more time. Remember that Guy Morris had a 7 win season and one of those games was the famous LSU comeback, so he should have had ANOTHER win. Rich Brooks takes that team and wins 4, 2, and 3 games in his first three years. Who honestly said they wanted him to stay?

In fairness, Rich Brooks had a history to support him of good coaching, Joker doesn't have that luxury, however he is an alumnus.

I say keep him, UNLESS, you can strike gold with a knockout hire.

Well, I didn't say I was in favor of keeping Rich Brooks after his third season. It just turned out that Kentucky did decide to keep him. I didn't say I wanted that. They did keep him probably based upon his successful coaching history, just as you said. It turned out for the better, obviously. And you're right. Joker doesn't have that successful coaching history to fall back on unfortunately.

Let me just ask this question: Is there really a scenario where there will be anything better than a mere slight improvement next season? Before you even think about saying yes, think about our even tougher schedule next year (Alabama, at South Carolina, Florida, at Georgia, Louisville, etc.). It would be an even more miserable year next season if Joker were to be on the sidelines. People throughout the Bluegrass will have turned on Joker even more. Commonwealth would be even emptier than it has been this year. The people that did show up would be booing the players, coaches, and a man that loves this University and this state. Why would we want Joker, a Kentucky man, to have to go through that? This year, despite all the negatives, fans for the most part have been more sad than mad. Why? They want Joker to succeed. That will change if no change is made.

Also, how will we know if we can get a "knockout hire" if Joker hasn't been dismissed? I doubt Mitch will talk to anyone unless he is certain Phillips will be let go and announcement has been made.