Spurrierismyhomeboy
10-17-2005, 07:27 PM
Brooks: 'I'm planning on being here' past this season
By MURRAY EVANS, Associated Press Writer
October 17, 2005
LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) -- Kentucky football coach Rich Brooks offered a spirited defense of his tenure Monday, saying he has no plans to step down at the end of what has been a disappointing season.
Speaking at his regularly scheduled news conference, Brooks preached about the need for patience as he and his staff try to rebuild the program. It was hit hard by NCAA sanctions that cost the program 19 scholarships over a three-year period that ended this year.
Brooks, who had previously declined to address media reports about his future with the Wildcats, said he did so Monday ``because the speculation is rampant'' and ``there are some rumors out there that I'm going to resign at some point. Well, that ain't happening, guys. OK? I'm not going to walk out on the players that I recruited and this program that I'm trying to turn around.''
Brooks is 7-21 at Kentucky.
Heading into their game Saturday at Mississippi, the Wildcats (1-4, 0-2 Southeastern Conference) have lost three straight games by 21 points or more. Brooks has two years remaining on a contract that pays him $750,000 a year.
Brooks said he had a proven track record, citing his tenure at Oregon, where he coached 18 seasons and eventually turned that program into a consistent winner. The Ducks played in the Rose Bowl following the 1994 season. He also cited successful rebuilding projects by coaches at Virginia Tech -- currently ranked No. 3 -- and Iowa State that took more than five seasons.
Kentucky has also been beset by injuries. When wide receiver Dicky Lyons Jr. has hernia surgery Thursday, he'll be the 18th player on the team to have undergone a surgical procedure since preseason practice began in August, Brooks said.
Brooks wouldn't say if he's spoken to either athletic director Mitch Barnhart or university President Lee Todd about his job status.
University spokesman Jay Blanton said Monday that Todd ``has been consistent in saying that all athletic programs get evaluated and the football program will be evaluated at the appropriate time.''
By MURRAY EVANS, Associated Press Writer
October 17, 2005
LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) -- Kentucky football coach Rich Brooks offered a spirited defense of his tenure Monday, saying he has no plans to step down at the end of what has been a disappointing season.
Speaking at his regularly scheduled news conference, Brooks preached about the need for patience as he and his staff try to rebuild the program. It was hit hard by NCAA sanctions that cost the program 19 scholarships over a three-year period that ended this year.
Brooks, who had previously declined to address media reports about his future with the Wildcats, said he did so Monday ``because the speculation is rampant'' and ``there are some rumors out there that I'm going to resign at some point. Well, that ain't happening, guys. OK? I'm not going to walk out on the players that I recruited and this program that I'm trying to turn around.''
Brooks is 7-21 at Kentucky.
Heading into their game Saturday at Mississippi, the Wildcats (1-4, 0-2 Southeastern Conference) have lost three straight games by 21 points or more. Brooks has two years remaining on a contract that pays him $750,000 a year.
Brooks said he had a proven track record, citing his tenure at Oregon, where he coached 18 seasons and eventually turned that program into a consistent winner. The Ducks played in the Rose Bowl following the 1994 season. He also cited successful rebuilding projects by coaches at Virginia Tech -- currently ranked No. 3 -- and Iowa State that took more than five seasons.
Kentucky has also been beset by injuries. When wide receiver Dicky Lyons Jr. has hernia surgery Thursday, he'll be the 18th player on the team to have undergone a surgical procedure since preseason practice began in August, Brooks said.
Brooks wouldn't say if he's spoken to either athletic director Mitch Barnhart or university President Lee Todd about his job status.
University spokesman Jay Blanton said Monday that Todd ``has been consistent in saying that all athletic programs get evaluated and the football program will be evaluated at the appropriate time.''