Curry Gets Approval, Takes Kentucky Job

Bill Curry became the football coach at Kentucky Monday after gaining approval from the school’s board of directors.

“I’m leaving one outstanding program and coming into another outstanding program,” Curry said during a 30-minute news conference. “If we work hard, we can accomplish just about anything.”

Curry, 47, resigned as Alabama coach Sunday, six days after guiding the Crimson Tide to a 10-2 record. Alabama lost to Miami, 33-25, in the Sugar Bowl.

Curry succeeds Jerry Claiborne, who retired Nov. 28, and becomes Kentucky’s 32nd head coach. Curry was given a five-year contract with a base salary of $105,000 per year.

“He will do an excellent job in every phase of the program--socially, academically, athletically and in the treatment of our players,” Claiborne said in a prepared statement. “Bill will step right in and keep the program moving in the right direction.”

Kentucky has hovered near the .500 mark in each of its last five seasons, but Curry made no bold predictions for improving the program, which is more noted for its academic prowess and basketball.

Curry compiled a 26-10 record in three seasons at Alabama, including a share of the Southeastern Conference title this past season that earned him SEC Coach of the Year honors.