According to the Associated Press, Rich Brooks told his team that he's 80 percent sure he won't be back in 2010 following Sunday night's 21-13 loss to Clemson in the Music City Bowl.
Joseph "Joker" Phillips will take over as head coach if Brooks indeed retires. Kentucky announced that the current offensive coordinator would be the coach in waiting for the Wildcats. Phillips is credited with rejuvenating the Kentucky offense since taking over as coordinator in 2005.
Phillips played wide receiver for Kentucky and was on the last Wildcats team to defeat Tennessee in 1984. He spent two years as a receiver for the Washington Redskins before starting his coaching career.
"I think it may be time for a change and time for Joker to take over," Brooks said. "Not totally sure. I just felt like maybe it's time."
Brooks stated he had contemplated retirement over the past week, but stayed busy with preparations for the bowl game.
Brooks, who is 68, coached Kentucky to a 7-6 record this season. His record at Kentucky is 39-47 in seven seasons including four straight bowl appearances. Brooks' career college record will be 130-156-4 in 25 seasons, including 18 at Oregon where the field is named after him. Brooks also coached at several franchises in the NFL including a stint as head coach with the St. Louis Rams.
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