Its that time of year agian.We as Kentucky fans sit dissapointed in our living rooms contemplating yet another opportunity lost to those Volunteers of Tennessee.Its also that time of year that we as fans evaluate not only the regular season but the coaching staff as well.As I thought about what this team has accomplished this year and what they haven't and I cant help but defend our head ball coach. As a head coach there are a thousand different things that are instantly thrown on your plate after you sign that contract.Coaching football isnt only about the x's and O's .You have to determine your philosophy,goals and what youre going to do to properly execute your plan in a way that gives you the best chance to win.When youve decided on the manner in which your team is going to carry itself based on your philosophies you have to stick to those principles and goals regardless of what you and I (the fans)think.Joker couldve had one of the most aggressive schemes and prolific offensive attacks in the nation and we still would have had something to grumble about on these message boards.As a coach Joker should have enough character and guts to stick with what he has decided is the best for him,his team,and his philosophy.If he doesnt then hes obviouosly not what we need at Kentucky.The worst thing Joker could do is start giving in to pressures and attempt to change what he thinks is best for his group of men.Hes not Rich Brooks,Lou Holtz,or Bear Bryant hes Joker Phillips,and a completely unique individual.You soak up as much knowledge as you possibly can from these people if you were blessed enough to have known them, but you never stray from what makes you an individual.To be successful you have to be true to yourself. Obviously a coach should reexamine his tactics from year to year.He should know that some teams may do some things that will make his prior strategy more difficult to execute.Monitor and change minor things all the time, even game by game but your core beliefs must be permanent.For the future I think Joker needs to build this program on a sturdy foundation of fundamentals and principles. Getting this foundation starts with surrounding yourself with the quality people.You have to raise expectations and demands for you and youre staff and if they cant raise the level of thier own self expectations,then they need to go.You have to have a balance within youre group,offense,youth,experience,conservatism,and risk taking.There has to be diversity.Now while Joker has done a good job mostly of surrounding himself with good hires,one that is constantly questioned is Steve Brown. I do agree that he needs to weigh his d coordinators success over the course of his career and make an educated decision.Whether he decides to cut Brown loose or not he cant even waver a bit in this decision.This will be the measuring stick that will decide what type of coach he will be. Whatever decision he makes he needs to be fully prepared to stand by his decision and whatever the outcome of it may be.
To those that think we will never be anything besides SEC bottom feeders heres a qoute for you....A mans reach should exceed his grasp or whats heaven for?"
But for now lets continue to build that foundation and go win a bowl game.
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