Mark Stoops discusses tying Bear Bryant’s wins record at Kentucky
By Keith Farner
Published:
Mark Stoops and the Kentucky Wildcats knew a milestone related to Bear Bryant was in sight, and now that they’ve reached it, Stoops has taken a moment to reflect.
The Wildcats on Saturday secured a 37-13 win over Miami (Ohio) to open the season, and that meant that Stoops moved to 60 career wins, which ties the legendary Paul “Bear” Bryant. Stoops was appreciative, but overall took a muted response to the milestone.
“I want to make it very clear. I absolutely respect that and am very appreciative to be here a long time and have the opportunity to win this many games,” Stoops said. “And I don’t think it’s right to — you know, I don’t — I mean, Bear Bryant coached here and, you know, I don’t know what to say. I don’t want to be disrespectful, but it’s, like, you don’t want — you can’t put my name in the same as Bear Bryant’s. You know what I mean?”
Even though Stoops has had loads of success, including a pair of 10-win seasons, and changed the perception of UK football, there’s still work to do.
“In the long run if I was competing for 6 national championships, let’s talk about that. But I am grateful to win that many games, to be here this long. And we have a long way to go,” he said. “I’m excited to keep building this program. I’m really — the focus is on next week. You know, really, normally we talk about enjoying it. But, you know, it seems like everybody in there is ready to get to work and get on next week and try to get better. And that’s not just coach-speak, it’s just kind of how we feel.”
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
