Brooks discussing extension with UK

xWaynex

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) -- Kentucky football coach Rich Brooks said Thursday that he has discussed a contract extension with Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart and is "all for it."

Brooks, now in his fourth year at Kentucky, is enjoying by far his best season at the helm, leading the team to six wins -- four in the Southeastern Conference -- and an almost certain first bowl appearance since 1999.


There had been speculation heading into the year that Barnhart might fire Brooks if he wasn't able to improve the team's fortunes, but the Wildcats have responded.

Now the question appears to be not whether Brooks will return but for how long. He says that hasn't been worked out.

"We talked earlier this week about having some discussions, when we got time, about extending it and I'm all for it," Brooks said. "That's what I came here to do is get this thing going. I know it hasn't been as quick as most people would like to see it, but I think it's pretty understandable that we have a pretty good group of young players coming back."

During a radio interview prior to Kentucky's basketball game against Miami of Ohio Wednesday night, Barnhart said he wants Brooks to stay.

"I fully anticipate us going forward with coach next year," he said on the Big Blue Sports Network. "We're gonna get going with Rich and give him a chance to continue to build off the foundation that he's laid for this program. I'm really proud of what they've done."

Victory for the Wildcats Saturday would clinch their first winning season since 2002.

Prior to this season, Brooks had only a 9-25 record at a Kentucky program he inherited that had been scarred by NCAA probation. During a preseason banquet he pledged this would be "the light at the end of the tunnel."

The former NFL coach is best known for leading Oregon from 1977-94 -- including the Ducks' first back-to-back winning seasons in 16 years and first bowl berth in 26 years.

Copyright 2006 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.


Credit - SI.com

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WhoopHass

I was torn when i first heard about Brooks getting an extension but look what he has did after probation was done at UK had a great recruiting class and now at 7-4 but please hire a new Defensive coordinator or D is very lacking.