By LARRY VAUGHT
Kentucky coach Mark Stoops said all the right things after UK associate coach Vince Marrow made it official that he was leaving to join the Louisville football staff.
“We’re thankful for Coach Marrow’s contributions to our program over the past 12 years. As we look to the new season and a new era of college football, we’re focused on the opportunities at hand,” Stoops said in a statement released by UK on Thursday.
“We will continue to build a roster and staff that balances talent, experience, maturity, physicality, and the attitude it takes to win in the nation’s most competitive conference. I wish my friend and colleague nothing but the best.”
Short and sweet,t after the two childhood friends parted ways after 12 years of rebuilding the Kentucky football programIt’s unclear whetherre we will ever know exactly what led to the break, up but it’s obviouthat s Stoops was not heartbroken by Marrow’s departure and that Marrow felt his best opportunitiewere s no longer at Kentucky.
Marrow’s official title at Louisville will be executive director of player personnel and recruiting for coach Jeff Brohm, someone Marrow has known for years and played with in the XFL.
“I am excited to have Vince Marrow join our staff,” Brohm said in a news release. “He exemplifies the highest standards of collegiate coaching and recruiting success. His extensive experience, commitment to player development, and exceptional ability to connect with young athletes have made him one of the most sought-after professionals in the business. Vince will be a huge asset to the staff.”
Marrow had been a “huge asset” to the UK staff in his roles as associate coach, recruiting coordinator, NFL liaison, and tight ends coach, along with being UK’s most visible football coach.
Marrow issued this statement after news about his new three-year deal was confirmed.”
“I’m incredibly excited to work with Jeff Brohm and the University of Louisville football program. Jeff and I have known each other for over 25 years. I have always admired and respected him and the Brohm family. I love the state of Kentucky — this has become my home,” Marrow said. “The opportunity to take on this exciting role, in the state where I have so many incredible relationships, was something that I couldn’t pass up.
“I also want to thank the University of Kentucky, Mark Stoops, the administration, and the fans. I have made lifelong friendships during my time at UK, and I have every desire to keep those relationships. That is one of the reasons I wanted to stay in this state.
“I hope that I left the Kentucky football program in a better position than when we started. I will always be grateful for my time there. Ultimately, my goal is to win a national championship. I am very confident that we can accomplish that goal, and I can’t wait to get started.”
I believe Marrow when he says he hopes to keep the “incredible relationships” he has built at UK, but I am not sure how many UK fans will buy into that. I also agree that he left the UK program in a “better position” than when he arrived. I’m not so sure about his confidence that Louisville can win a national title, but any new coach at any school has to have that belief.
Several Kentucky officials said Thursday that they do not expect a new addition to the coaching staff with Marrow’s departure. Instead, the tight ends coach likely will come from someone on staff, and Stoops has several offensive analysts who could fill that role, with former Marshall tight ends coach Derek Shay as the most logical possibility.
14 Responses
Feels like UK football is a sinking ship and I am not sure Stoops is the person to resurrect it. He has not consistently shown that he knows what he wants to do; especially, on the offensive side of the ball. Team and player discipline and execution has been hit or miss on both sides of the ball. He has never had 2 qbs developed and ready to play. Stoops reminds me of someone that every time they hear something that sounds good, they jump in that direction with no forethought or planning. The best example is saying he wants to pound the ball and use ball control, then goes out recruits nothing but pocket passers.
I’m not sure you can make this bad situation worse but if Morrow left without notice (or even a "see ya", as is reported it shows a lack of class on his part. In a situation like this, you always take the high road. On the other hand Stoops has consistently shown a questionable personnel management record. When you are Bear Bryant, you can make mistakes, but when you are a wannabe, you can’t afford mistakes.
Dude Stoops would have left like a thief in the night for Texas A&M until the fans went bonkers about it. Shows they have smart fans.
Marrow is just another stinking traitor that belongs in a crap hole like Loserville. He fits in perfect with the scum cardinals. I wish him nothing but the worst.
Easy Jimmy, I don’t see it that way the man did good things for our program. when you have a opportunity to do something different regardless the school I take the opportunity too.
That’s not how you and others have felt when players left for the pros early. I hope Stoops has a great year and then gives the whiney fans a Pitino finger on the way out to a new job. Then you’ll just be happy to make a bowl again.
I’m been following ky football for over 50 years, it always going to be an up and down ride.
Jimmy…..how do you really feel? Can’t say that I disagree with you. Move was bad enough and timing even worse.
Vince has came out and said that the relationship with Stoops was strained , but wasn’t the reasoning he left. He also said the media has put out too muck false facts what really went on. I wish him the best.
Marrow took a poke at Stoops and KSR is making a giant deal about it but honestly its true. He said it was getting harder to sell Kentucky’s offense to recruits because the proof is in the pudding. He said Brohm is a offensive mastermind (let’s face it he really is) his offensive is exciting they spread the ball around and its easier to sell. When Stoops was in his second year and everyone was wanting to replace him I threw Brohms name out there and alot of people wanted Brohm. We know he’s from Kentucky and he could easily win the state in recruiting. Of course it took him a year or 2 but he has done exactly that. Not only is he winning the state they are beating Kentucky left and right for recruits. With Marrow on board they will be even better. Stoops needs to let everyone know this is his last hoorah. Its a win or go home kind of season. Another thing everyone is saying Marrow didn’t give Stoops a heads up but Stoops didn’t tell anyone about Texas A&M and he’s the head coach. He would have left in the middle of a recruiting trip like his buddy Wolford. They all cut each others throat if given the chance. I jus wish they would all move back to Ohio nobody from Youngstown is welcome anymore. I’m tired of hearing the cities name. They act like your tough if your from Youngstown., and let me tell ya Youngstown isn’t shit.
Wolford left on a recruiting trip. Marrow left while he was supposed to be recruiting for Kentucky and Stoops tried to sliver out the back door for Texas A&M at this point I think everyone from Youngstown are traders!
Fire Mike Stoops Fire Mark Stoops Fire Eric Wolford Fire Bush Hamden and Fire Brad White and his boot Stoops licking ass. We need a total makeover like we did in basketball remove everyone!
Terry, that may happen after this fall.
Terry, this is perhaps the shortest post you have ever made here, but it shouts the most in terms of what needs to happen with our football program. Now, will the Kentucky braintrust listen?