The announcement that Vince Marrow would be returning to Lexington next season was a crucial component in keeping UK’s core coaching staff together.
A coaching staff that has accomplished things at the University of Kentucky that no others before them had been able to. That was a huge win but there is still a chance that a member of Mark Stoops’ staff will explore offers and possibly leave.
Another name has already emerged as a candidate for a position elsewhere. Justin Rowland of Rivals reported that defensive backs coach Steve Clinkscale is primed to be a potential addition to Mel Tucker’s staff with the Michigan State Spartans.
Reported in recent days that MSU had not reached out to UK DB coach Steve Clinkscale or agent. However, as of today I am hearing that the likelihood he becomes a serious target for Mel Tucker's staff has increased. Not just speculation, apparently moving up the wish list.
— Justin Rowland (@RowlandRIVALS) February 17, 2020
Obviously that is the same school that was in serious talks to bring Vince Marrow on board just days ago. Who knows if during those meetings there was dialogue about Clinkscale and his performance as a coach.
This news didn’t come as a huge surprise, many people speculated that Clinkscale would be a name that Michigan State would pursue if talks with Vince Marrow fell through.
Keep in mind that the University of Kentucky administration just went through an intense negotiation to keep a critical piece of the coaching staff. It’s hard to say if they will be willing to step up to the plate once against if it does in fact become a bidding war.
Clinkscale coached at Cincinnati for three seasons before joining the Kentucky coaching staff in 2016. He has proven to be an instrumental part of the player development that Kentucky is becoming known for. He was listed as the lead recruiter for five-star Justin Rogers in the class of 2020.
Losing Clinkscale would be a considerable blow but it’s nothing like the impact that Vince Marrow departing would have had.
There is not many details available regarding any timeline but it’s likely that the situation will move quickly.