Mark Stoops has accepted the Kentucky football coaching job according to Kentucky Sports Radio. Stoops had been the defensive coordinator at Florida State since 2009 and before that held the same position at Arizona.

I gotta say – I’m a bit surprised Stoops took this job. Look at the last four coaches at Kentucky – Joker Phillips, Rich Brooks, Guy Morriss, Hal Mumme. What have they done since leaving UK? It isn’t a springboard to a better job. It’s a basketball school. And then, take a look at the SEC East: Georgia, Florida, South Carolina … not to mention Vanderbilt is on a rise.

If Charlie Strong stays in Louisville – he’ll probably get a few calls in the coming weeks – Stoops has a major uphill climb. If Tennessee lands Jon Gruden, Stoops has a major uphill climb. Obviously, if neither of those happened, Stoops would be thrilled.

I’m just not sure why Stoops wouldn’t go the mid-major route – grab a job MAC or WAC, kick ass, then 2-3 years later get an attractive gig in a major conference.

Kentucky went 2-10 this season, and was 0-8 in the SEC. Stoops first call should be to … John Calipari. He’s going to need his support.

That leaves the following major jobs open: Arkansas, NC State, Auburn, Tennessee, California and Boston College.