Posted by: Pete Roussel on July 3, 2012

For years, coaches have been responding to "hot seat" questions.

The goal is typically to not allow outside speculation become a distraction.  Some coaches take it in stride, while others let the speculation affect decision-making.

In his first two seasons as the Kentucky head coach, Joker Phillips has led the program to records of 6-7 and 5-7.

Kentucky fans are beginning to wonder what the future holds.

Phillips, however, downplayed the notion that outsiders may affect him as a coach.

Phillips told the Courier-Journal, "No, no. I know this might sound crazy, but I was looking at Oprah - my wife had taped an Oprah show with (rapper) 50 Cent. I like to listen to those types of interviews. And 50 Cent said you either worry or pray, but you don't do both. And I don't worry. I don't worry."

"The thing I've got to do is prepare myself mentally and prepare this football team mentally for the long haul. I know what we got into when we signed up for this. This is big-boy football, and we've had success in big-boy football, and we'll continue to have success in big-boy football."

Hey, at least he's not following 50 Cent's "get rich or die trying" philosophy.

Kentucky opens the season at Louisville on Sunday, September 2.  The Wildcats then return home to face Kent State and Western Kentucky.  The other non-conference game is against Samford on November 17.

In case you missed it, Kentucky recently update the décor throughout their football facility.  Here's an inside look at the improvements.

------------------------------------------

Pete Roussel is a valuable resource for coaches, athletic directors, NFL front-office personnel, and college football enthusiasts. A former college football coach, Roussel shares insight on coaches 365 days a year and is recognized as the most trusted expert on coaching transactions. Follow @CoachingSearch on twitter and send your feedback to pete@coachingsearch.com