January 10th: On this date...

... in 2003, your University of Kentucky new head football coach Rich Brooks started his tenure by naming several coaches to his staff. Among those hired by Brooks was former Wildcat player Joker Phillips. The former wide receiver (1981-84) would head the University’s recruiting efforts as well as coach the wide receivers. Phillips was a standout for Franklin-Simpson, leading them to two Class AAA state championships as a quarterback. He left UK as the fifth leading receiver in Wildcat history and was a part of the last team to beat Tennessee in 1984. Joker was named offensive coordinator in 2004 and successfully led the Kentucky offense to improved marks in each of his first three seasons. Under the previous offensive coordinator, UK averaged 15.7 points and 275.5 yards per game. In the next three seasons under Phillips, Big Blue’s totals went to: 2005 (21.7 ppg - 297.5 ypg), 2006 (26.7 ppg - 375.3 ypg), 2007 (36.5 ppg - 443.4 ypg). In 2008, Phillips was named head coach in waiting, presumably to keep continuity in the program. And with recent developments, the 2010 football season looks to be Joker Phillips’ first as the University of Kentucky head coach.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach