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There's a school of thought out there that says given Joker Phillips' shaky job security, he should come off to the the fanbase as having a bigger sense of urgency; a much more serious approach with the media; a teeth-grinding demeanor; and an overall fire in his belly on the sideline during the games. Having observed Phillps for many years, there's not a more competitive person than Phillips, not a more hard worker than Phillips, and no more dedicated person to the well-being of the UK football program than Phillips.
For the record this is not a testimonial for Joker Phillips because he is a man who knew what he signed up for when he entered the coaching profession--that he has said many times since taking over the UK program. We know that given the volatility of said profession, you can be here today and gone tomorrow. Generally speaking in today's world of high ticket prices, K-Fund prices, parking pass prices, escalating coaches salaries, and the need for better facilities, coaches are getting three years to get things off the ground. One of the hinderances that have come into play are flat-screen tv's, and the present day economy.
Given the knowledge of all the aforementioned it's just not in his DNA to push the panic button. He said he tunes out the noise - radio talk; internet message boards, newspapers and the like. He is often comical with his quips, he's witty, and he's quick on his feet in dealing with the public. He has tried everything within his power to sell the program to the public and for the most part people want to see him succeed. He's used slogans such as "Operation Win", "Rise", and a gathering at the new and improved Lyric Theater to unveil new uniform designs while at the same time introduce a video recording of the song Rise. These are just a few things he's done in his time at the helm to generate excitement.
Not much has worked for him since taking over the job. The Wildcats went decades without game-missing injuries to their quarterbacks. Seems some unfortunate occurrences have taken place with his quarterbacks: Ryan Mossakowski having shoulder surgery upon his arrival at UK; for various and sundry reasons Morgan Newton not working out; Mike Hartline's knee injury at South Carolina; Hartline getting the boot just prior to the BBVA Compass Bowl game; Newton's shoulder injury last season requiring surgery; Maxwell Smith's shoulder injury; Smith's recurring injury this to the same shoulder, and other things.
But regardless of the reasons, or the excuses, like Joker Phillips said, this is a Big Boy league and if you can't run with the big boys, you need to go sat on the porch and have a RC cola and a moon pie. Phillips would have it no other way.
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