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By: LARRY VAUGHT
Kentucky football coach Mark Stoops was in somewhat of a jovial mood Monday as he talked about additions not only to his coaching staff but a variety of other things.
He also quickly said he did not feel like 2016 was a "put up or shut up season" despite his teams going 2-10, 5-7, and 5-7 the last three years.
"I feel like I’ve got to continue to do my job the very best we can. I said it in so many ways: It’s a results business. I get it. You know what I mean? So, we’re going to look for better results and more wins, but I know what we’re doing. I know the state of the program, and I know how hard it is," said Stoops.
"Again, what I’ve told you many times: I knew exactly what I was getting into. I know exactly. That doesn’t make me feel good all the time – just because you anticipate bumps, you anticipate major obstacles. I get it. I’ve been around, but it doesn’t make you feel any better. It’s still tough, but believe me, it doesn’t discourage me one bit.
"We’ll go forward. We’ll get it done. Look around. Look around. You think I’m the only one with issues? You think I’m the only one that’s got to answer to you all (in the media)? It’s in our business. We get it."
He also gets why fans are frustrated.
“What kills me is when I’m around town. You know how I feel about this place: I love this place, I love the people, I love the passion of the fans. They’re angry when we lose. They should be. They’re tired of it. They’ve been around here a lot longer than me with some ups and the downs," Stoops said. "I told you I want to deliver for them, and we will. And that doesn’t discourage me.
"What kills me is when I’m walking around town and they’re like, ‘Coach, hang in there man. You all right?’ I’m like, ‘Heck yeah, I’m all right. Where you think I’m going? I didn’t die. We’re fine.’ It’s going to take a lot to get me out of here. We’ll get it done. Believe me, I’m very optimistic. Very excited. There’s always bumps in the road. We’ll get it straight. It’s not easy, but we’ll get it done.
"I feel very good about it and am not discouraged one bit. That’s the only awkwardness I’ve had: When I’m running around at the grocery store and some old folks are looking at me like, ‘Man coach, just hang in there buddy.’ I’m like, ‘Hey, I’m fine, man. I’m going to work. Let’s get it done.’ So, no worries about me or any of these coaches. We’re very excited, very optimistic. We’re not happy, but we’re ready to get to work and get better.”
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