November 22, 2004
UK Offensive Coordinator Resigns, Brooks Likely to Remain
Kentucky offensive coordinator Ron Hudson resigned effective immediately today, averting a possible ultimatum over his fate between AD Mitch Barnhart and head coach Rich Brooks.
Because of the turmoil surrounding my future and the lack of production within the offense, I feel it would be in the best interest of the program that I relinquish my position at the University of Kentucky...This resignation will allow the players and everyone associated with the program to establish a renewed excitement for the 2005 football season."
Hudson had been much maligned for UK's poor performances on offense this season, ranking 114th out of 117 NCAA Division 1A teams in total offense to date. The Wildcats enter their final game of the season vs. SEC East champ Tennessee with a 2-8 mark, assuring their second consecutive losing season of the Brooks/Hudson era.
According to a UK athletic department press release:
Brooks [said] that wide receivers coach Joker Phillips and running backs coach Ron Caragher will coach the quarterbacks this week as the Wildcats prepare to play at Tennessee on Saturday. Brooks said that Phillips and offensive line coach Paul Dunn, with input from Brooks, will call the plays on Saturday.
Hudson's departure also likely assures the return of Brooks to lead the 2005 season. UK administrators seemed to backtrack this past weekend on earlier statements of support for Brooks, but Hudson's status had been the major point of contention. Earlier in the season, Brooks had stated he would allow himself to be fired before he would replace Hudson.
As for Hudson's permanent successor, Brooks said today, “We will name a successor at the appropriate time.”
There has yet to be any word as to how incoming South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier plans to dispose of the property he was so often reported to have purchased in the greater Lexington area.
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