Quote:
Originally Posted by WVRed
Now THIS surprises me.
I'll admit I dislike Louisville as much as any UK fan, but this isn't basketball we are talking about.
I know Strong wasn't happy about the press coverage of Louisville's spring practices, but what makes you think its going to be any better in Lexington with John Calipari as the head coach? Louisville also has a newer stadium and better practice facilities, which is something Rich Brooks constantly complained about his entire time in Lexington.
If Strong wins the Big East this year and he will have a very good shot at it, he will be in the mix for a better job than Kentucky.
UK needs an up and coming assistant or a head coach at a mid-major school with a gimmick offense that will put fans in the seats. Malzahn makes the most sense, as he has coached in the SEC, but is more likely to take over at Arkansas if the wheels fall off this season.
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Remember, this is Kentucky's wish list, not Strong's.
Were I Barnhart and settled on Strong, I'd argue the following:
1. Here's a boatload of cash. We'll make you the highest paid minority coach in America and one of the top 20.
2. You'll be able to win in short order. UT is in complete disarray. Georgia and Florida have become on-again, off-again mid-tier programs, South Carolina is a shot in the dark, and Vandy is Vandy.
3. If you don't win in short order, we have patience. Lots and lots of patience. Take your time.
4. Seven wins a year would thrill our fan base. More than that will put them over the moon. An SEC East Championship would probably kill both of them.
5. Just kidding about that-- UK fans follow their team to bowl games and are remarkably loyal. Just look at how horrid the team has been in the past and how much the place gets packed. Now imagine a good team!
6. Have I mentioned the cash? And the security?
7. The facilities are both going to get better and a built-in excuse for your first couple of seasons. If you win, the money will come.
8. Kentucky is in the SEC-- if you win here, you'll be a coaching star. Louisville is in the Big East. If you win there, Syracuse fans might know your name. After a few years.
9. Speaking of big time, the media coverage is no contest. You'll be huge in Lexington. And you'll get major pub in all those Southern states wherein you recruit. Which means better players. Which means more wins. Which means more media coverage.
10. Have I mentioned the money? There's a LOT of it.
Now, Kentucky may go smaller and more conservative. Stick with big-name coordinators. Maybe go get an older coach with a little left to prove. But Strong would send a message that the Cats would be serious about football for the first time since Bryant left town in a borrowed Cadillac.