Dear Coach Brooks,

I remember well the day you were hired.  I was at work getting ready to anchor the sportscast when the word came down.  At the time I said “Who is Rich Brooks?”

Little did I know you’d be the man to come in and turn a struggling program around.  You’ve done it with class, dignity and a group of players that have been wonderful ambassadors for the program.

You went through a lot.  Many fans didn’t believe right away that you could get the job done.  I must admit, I had a few doubts too.  But I stuck with you and I’m glad I did.

I went to work in Atlanta for a year, surrounded by Georgia fans.  The day you beat the Bulldogs at home and fans tore down the goalposts, I had bragging rights for the rest of the season.

When I came back, I saw you at a golf tournament.  You gave me a big hug and said welcome back.  I was shocked that you weren’t saying in your head “who is Mary Jo Perino?”  But you remembered and you didn’t have to.

My son Sam, who is almost four, only knows Rich Brooks.  He has a blue teddy bear that bears your namesake.  Many times I’ve seen him hug that bear and say “I love you Rich Brooks”… and I don’t think he is just talking about the bear.

You have given all of us true blue fans hope and pride.  It wouldn’t change my opinion of you at all if you were to walk away at the end of the season, but this is my little plea to keep you around.

If the Cats finish second in the SEC East with a big bowl appearance, I don’t believe your job is done.  I know you are leaving the program in capable hands, I certainly trust your judgement, but I want to see what you can do next year.  And maybe the year after.  I believe you are the coach to keep Kentucky continuing to climb that SEC ladder.

Whenever you do choose to leave, I think you should be the only coach in America with two fields named after you.  One in Oregon, and one in the great commonwealth of Kentucky.

Just please, make it in a couple of years, okay?

Go Cats!

Mary Jo