Kentucky Football Coaching Rotation
Keeping Tabs on Transfers and Coaching Changes
During the college football off-season, enthusiasts dedicate much of their attention to monitoring the transfer portal for player movements. Yet, there’s nearly as much activity in the realm of coaches, especially for the Kentucky Wildcats, where Mark Stoops has implemented several alterations to his coaching staff. One recent change particularly caught attention. Let’s delve into the details of the Kentucky Football Coaching Carousel.
New Offensive Coordinator Takes the Helm
Mark Stoops found himself searching for a new offensive coordinator for the fifth consecutive year. His quest led him to Bush Hamdan, who arrives in Lexington from Boise State. Hamdan steps in for Liam Coen, who returned to the NFL after a brief stint with Kentucky.
Hamdan, with coaching experiences across eleven different college programs and a year with the Atlanta Falcons in 2017, brings a penchant for robust ground games and a preference for no-huddle tactics, promising to increase the team’s pace of play—an area where Kentucky ranked last in college football in plays executed. This shift in strategy could appeal to incoming quarterback Brock Vandagriff.
Hamdan’s contract terms include $1.25 million for the current year, $1.35 million in 2025, and $1.45 million in 2026. However, should he depart before November 30, 2025, he must compensate the school with $1.5 million. The Kentucky faithful hope for a fruitful collaboration between Hamdan and Stoops as the team navigates the restructured SEC.
Additionally, Coen’s departure saw a member of the staff, Brian Picucci, follow suit, joining Tampa Bay as the assistant offensive line coach. Moreover, Coen’s behavior on Twitter raised eyebrows as he initiated a blocking spree against several Kentucky sports media members.
A Surprising Reinstatement
Shortly after signing a contract extension, Kentucky made a surprising move by parting ways with Zach Yenser and reappointing Eric Wolford to lead the offensive line. Wolford’s return was unexpected, given his abrupt departure to Alabama without informing Stoops or his players.
Despite the initial shock, Stoops reached out to Wolford, signaling a reconciliation. Wolford’s coaching acumen was evident during his previous tenure, contributing to a successful 2021 season for Kentucky, which saw two NFL draft picks from the offensive line and notable recruiting accomplishments. His two-year contract includes penalties if he leaves Lexington prematurely.
Improving the Receiving Corps
Before the bowl game against Clemson, Stoops made changes to the wide receivers coach position, replacing Scott Woodward with Daikiel Shorts, formerly from Houston. Shorts brings a wealth of experience, having coached wide receivers in the Big 12, where his group excelled according to Pro Football Focus.
Despite the challenges faced by Kentucky’s wide receivers last season, Shorts’ appointment signals a fresh approach to rejuvenating the team’s passing game.
Stay tuned to Last Word On College Football for updates on Kentucky’s football coaching carousel and insights into the team’s recent recruiting endeavors.
