Kentucky football fans have reached a breaking point. The overwhelming sentiment across Big Blue Nation is clear: the Mark Stoops era, despite its past successes, has run its course. Every era has an end,
and this one feels overdue.
But the problem in Lexington isn’t just the need for change; it’s the frustrating lack of it. Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart’s apparent hesitation may already be putting the Wildcats dangerously behind in a coaching carousel that’s spinning faster every week.
The clock is ticking, and Auburn is watching
If the latest whispers hold true, Auburn could part ways with head coach Hugh Freeze as soon as this weekend, especially if the struggling Tigers fall to Arkansas. That alone would send ripples through the SEC. But the name reportedly at the top of Auburn’s wish list should send chills down the spine of every Kentucky fan: Jon Sumrall.
Sumrall, a Kentucky native and former Wildcat assistant, is arguably the hottest Group of Five coach in the country. He transformed Troy into a Sun Belt power, known for toughness, smarts, and discipline. He continued that when making the move over to Tulane. By all accounts, he’d be the logical, perhaps even preferred, candidate to succeed Stoops in Lexington if a change were made.
Could Kentucky lose Sumrall before making a move?
The timing is brutal. If Auburn acts decisively after this weekend, they could lock up Sumrall soon thereafter. That means Kentucky could lose its ideal candidate before its own job is even open.
Sumrall has mentioned turning down Power Four offers previously, stating money isn’t everything. But an SEC job, particularly one with Auburn’s resources and located in his recruiting footprint, presents a different level of opportunity. It’s hard to imagine him saying no if offered.
Barnhart’s inaction creates a dangerous void
This scenario highlights the potential cost of Mitch Barnhart’s inaction. While fans clamor for a change and the program stagnates (1-11 in SEC play since the start of 2024), waiting too long could mean missing out on the best possible replacement.
You have to wonder if his loyalty to Stoops is blinding him to the rapidly closing window of opportunity? A job like Kentucky is one that a good coach will want. It is an SEC job; you have lower expectations, you can still make really good money.
And the best part is that if you do well, you will be rewarded with 40 million dollar buyouts. The question hanging over Lexington is no longer just if a change is needed, but whether the right change will still be available when Barnhart finally decides to act.
Hurry up, Mitch. The clock is ticking.
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Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time he enjoys downtime with his family and Premier League soccer. You can find him on X here. Micah 7:7. #UptheAlbion
