Brooks retires as UK football head coach

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Rich Brooks announced Monday that he is retiring as UK football head coach. Joker Phillips, UK’s head coach of the offense who was named head coach in waiting Jan. 18, 2008, will become UK’s 36th head coach and the second African American head coach ever in the Southeastern Conference.

Rich Brooks announced Monday he is retiring as UK football's head coach. Former UK head coach of the offense Joker Phillips will become UK's 36th head coach. Photo by Zach Brake | Staff

Brooks told his team and members of the media after UK’s 21-13 loss to Clemson in the Music City Bowl on Dec. 27 he was “80 percent sure” he would retire after the season, but wanted some time to think it over.

After eight days, he reached his decision.

He compiled a 39-47 career record at UK and a 16-39 SEC record. His 39 wins are fifth most all-time in school history for a coach, behind only Paul “Bear” Bryant, Fran Curci, Blanton Collier and Jerry Claiborne. After posting losing records in his first three seasons, Brooks led UK to four consecutive bowl games, posting a 3-1 record in those games.

Phillips has served as UK’s offensive coordinator since 2005. Sylvester Croom, the first African American coach in conference history, coached five seasons at Mississippi State from 2004-08 before he resigned under heavy fire. Phillips was named head coach in waiting after directing two of the most potent offenses in school history in 2006 and 2007.

A former wide receiver at UK from 1981-84, Phillips finished his career fifth all-time on the UK career receiving list with 75 catches for 935 yards. He spent two years in the NFL and one in the CFL before entering coaching, and returned to UK as wide receivers coach when Brooks was hired. He also spent two years as recruiting coordinator, establishing a reputation as one of the best recruiters in the Southeast.