SEC Football Head Coach Evaluation: Kentucky Wildcats’ Mark Stoops

Jul 15, 2015; Birmingham, AL, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Stoops speaks to media during SEC media day at the Wynfrey Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports

SEC football coaches are constantly being evaluated, and we do our part to add to that. This is the seventh in our series of head football coach evaluations for the conference.  Mark Stoops’ evaluation also marks the conclusion of the SEC East evaluations.

SEC Football Head Coach Evaluation:  Mark Richt

SEC Football Head Coach Evaluation:  Steve Spurrier

SEC Football Head Coach Evaluation:  Derek Mason

SEC Football Head Coach Evaluation:  Jim McElwain

SEC Football Head Coach Evaluation:  Gary Pinkel

Fair or not, Butch Jones and Mark Stoops will draw comparisons as long as they fill their current stations.  Each was hired to lead a SEC East program that had seen more than their share of recent difficulties.  While Tennessee undoubtedly has a richer tradition, Kentucky had seen more recent success.  The qualifier of “by their standards” must be added, though, as what is defined as success for these two programs is very different.

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Of the seven programs in the SEC East, four have coaches that are at the most entering their third season.  Vanderbilt could likely be looking for a new coach after this season.  Tennessee has to feel confident in the direction they are currently headed.  Florida has no idea what they have, yet.  Kentucky. . .also has no idea what they have.  Big

Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

Blue faithful will have their answer much sooner, though, as Stoops enters his pivotal third year leading the Wildcats.

Thus far the book is pretty short on Stoops.  The best has been elevating Kentucky’s recruiting success.  The worst was failing to secure a bowl bid after kicking off the 2014 season 5-1.

Now that we have the best and worst, Southbound and Down’s evaluation of Mark Stoops can begin in earnest.

Next: Support for Stoops