Mike Stoops Refuses to Leave Alabama to Join Brother Mark at Kentucky

Mark Stoops has constructed something exciting at the University of Kentucky, injecting life into a football program so long overshadowed wall-to-wall by its basketball counterpart. But even as he guides the Wildcats into 2020, he still doesn't quite have the clout to recruit his own brother to his staff.

Per Kentucky Sports Radio, Alabama defensive analyst Mike Stoops will not leave Tuscaloosa to take an assistant coach role under Mark in Lexington.

Blood may be thicker than water, but it ain't thicker than Nick Saban.

Mark suggested that Mike was content to stick around and enjoy all the success with the Crimson Tide while he bides his time awaiting a job as a defensive coordinator. That doesn't sound like what was on offer at UK -- KSR notes he would have worked in a special teams or secondary capacity with the Cats.

These two brothers may have a strong bond, but it won't be playing out on an SEC football staff near you.

If you ever needed proof of just how far Kentucky still has to go before it secures lasting respectability, you have it right here.

The toys are just cooler at Uncle Nick's house.