Mark Stoops talks coaching staff, expectations after Kentucky’s stunning home loss to Vanderbilt

Mark Stoops is facing a lot of questions about his Kentucky football team after the No. 24 Wildcats lost 24-21 at home to a Vanderbilt team that had not won an SEC game since 2019.

The Kentucky offense was pretty much the Chris Rodriguez. UK’s star running back scored both the Wildcats’ touchdowns in the 4th quarter. The struggles with Will Levis in the passing game leads to questions about Rich Scangarello’s long-term status as offensive coordinator.

Stoops told reporters Saturday that he does not plan to make any in-season changes.

Mark Stoops is asked about his coordinators and o line coach and the job security of them. Then the run game. pic.twitter.com/rtNlBNEoiu

— Dylan Ballard (@DylanBallard_UK) November 12, 2022

Mark Stoops clarifies that when he says he won’t make any offensive staff changes he won’t make them in-season. Says he doesn’t want to make an emotional decision.

— TheCatsPause247 (@TheCatsPause247) November 12, 2022

Coming off of a 10-win season, UK had some high expectations. While bowl eligibility has already been secured with 6 wins, the current trajectory has Big Blue Nation disappointed.

Stoops said failing to meet expectations is part of him not getting it done this year as a head coach.

Stoops on preseason expectations:

"Disappointed with the way things have gone. Each year, each team, you have to go earn it and prove it…for whatever reason, I'm not getting it done with this team." #BBN

— Mitch Brown FOX 56 (@MitchBTV_) November 12, 2022

Stoops say it’s time for some team reflection while giving credit to the program Clark Lea is building at Vanderbilt.

Stoops: "I'm not going to disrespect Vanderbilt.
I've been there, I've been where he's at. . . . You could see they were building."

— John Clay (@johnclayiv) November 12, 2022

Stoops: "We've got to look ourselves in the mirror and address the situation and address the things that are going on."

— John Clay (@johnclayiv) November 12, 2022

Andrew Olson

Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.