Claiborne did things 'the right way' at UK
Thanks, Coach, for the memories
It was a day Jerry Claiborne thought never would happen, at least not in this manner. Never throughout his long-time career had the University of Kentucky football coach made such a drastic decision. That decision to
Todd Hallum
Cars' Pause Columnist
retire occurred on a plane ride en route to a speaking engagement in Youngstown, Ohio.
After a rocky trip in which he and assistant coach Chip Garber didn't know if the plane could land because of inclement weather, Claiborne's zest for the ultimate chore of recruiting future Wildcats apparently vanished.
"The reason was I looked forward to what I had to do as far as recruiting goes, being away from my family and doing the things I had to do to have a successful football program," the teary-eyed Claiborne said at his last press conference as Kentucky's head football coach. "I just did not feel up to it."
Asked if he had ever made an important decision so fast, Claiborne said, "When I got married, I guess." His wife, Faye, will also have to deal with the fact that her husband of 38 years is leaving his football team and a loyal coaching staff.
That staff includes Dick Redding (28 years since 1961), Terry Strock (23 years since 1966), Jerry Eisaman (20 years) and Jake Hallum (18 years), all of whom had coached under Claiborne either at Virginia Tech, Maryland and Kentucky, or at all three.
It is rare that a collegiate staff has stayed intact in this day and age of rapid changes in the profession, and that the assistants respected Claiborne's philosophy of not succumbing to the pressure of winning at all costs, which meant cheating.
The Wildcat staff also valued the term student-athlete, and took pride in producing quality people who left the university ready to contribute to society in a positive manner.
"I am extremely proud of what our staff has done for the University of Kentucky football program," Claiborne said. "I really believe the staff has improved the program in every aspect since we came here in 1982the facilities, academics and won-loss record."
That leaves his players, who voiced sentiments that they were not only losing a football coach, but a father-figure as well. The proof in the pudding, although rarely publicized, was the numerous letters Claiborne and his staff received from former players expressing appreciation for the guidance and discipline they received under his leadership.
In the final analysis, what they accomplished on the playing field pales in comparison to what they learned from a coach who truly cared about them as persons and future citizens. Behind his principles of "doing it the right way" was a man who valued his players becoming leaders throughout the country.
"It was like seeing your father cry for the first time," senior Mike Meiners said. "Nobody was a bigger fan of
the University of Kentucky than Jerry Claiborne. He really cared about the entire program."
The accolades of UK president David Roselle. athletics director C. M. Newton, football coaches and other athletic figures or national prominence that came on the heels of Claiborne's announcement are well-documented, so there is no need to repeat them here.
A main point to remember is that Claiborne was not pressured out of the job, choosing instead to retire prematurely. Although a true competitor, he bore no malice toward his detractors. He suffered dearly when his teams lost, and he admitted having a hard time handling defeat. However, he remained a class act throughout the most trying of times.
The record shows that Claiborne has done a lot not only for UK football, but college football as well. He leaves as one of the winningest coaches in the nation and the only one to win Coach of the Year honors in three different conferences. Most of all, those honors were earned at schools with little or no winning football tradition.
Once again, we point out that his record and accomplishments are well documented, including on these pages, so we don't need to go into details.
It suffices to say that in bringing honesty and integrity to the football programs that he headed, he did things his way, never losing perspective of what he stood for. Now he can take time out, spend more time with his family and remain a valuable asset to the university in other areas.
Thanks, Coach; for all you've done. Your name always will be associated with the University of Kentucky and
your accomplishments never will be forgotten. The fruits of your labor will be remembered.
Senior defensive guard Mike Meiners about Jerry Claiborne's announcement to his players that he was retiring from coaching: "It was like seeing your father cry for the first time. Nobody was a bigger fan of the University of Kentucky than Jerry Claiborne. He really cared about the entire program."