Kolby Smith Expected to Join Kentucky as Running Backs Coach After Strong Stint at Arkansas
Kentucky is making a move to bolster its offensive staff, with Kolby Smith expected to take over as the Wildcats’ running backs coach. Smith brings a résumé that’s built on SEC production, NFL experience, and a deep familiarity with the region - and now he’s headed back to the Bluegrass State.
Smith has spent the past two seasons coaching the running backs at Arkansas, and his impact in Fayetteville was hard to miss. Under his guidance, the Razorbacks developed one of the more consistent rushing attacks in the SEC.
In fact, Arkansas averaged 188 rushing yards per game over that two-year stretch - good for fourth in the conference. This past season, they upped that to 192 per game, ranking third in the SEC.
And it wasn’t just about the team numbers. Smith’s backfield produced two All-SEC running backs in back-to-back years.
Ja’Quinden Jackson, in 2024, racked up 790 yards and an eye-popping 15 touchdowns on the ground, earning second-team All-SEC honors from the Associated Press. Then came Mike Washington in 2025, who broke the 1,000-yard mark with 1,070 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns, also landing second-team recognition from both the AP and league coaches.
Smith’s role in Arkansas’ offense expanded this past season when he was promoted to interim offensive coordinator following Bobby Petrino’s elevation to interim head coach on September 28. That move reflected the trust Arkansas had in Smith’s football acumen and leadership - and gave him valuable experience overseeing a broader offensive game plan.
Now, he returns to a familiar landscape. Smith starred at Louisville from 2003 to 2006, playing under Petrino before making the jump to the NFL. He spent four seasons in the league with the Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos, and Jacksonville Jaguars from 2007 to 2010.
His coaching journey has been a steady climb. After starting as a graduate assistant at Arkansas in 2012, he took on running backs coach duties at Western Kentucky in 2013, then returned to Louisville for a five-year stretch from 2014 to 2018. He moved on to Rutgers in 2019, and then spent four seasons in the NFL ranks as an offensive assistant with the Miami Dolphins from 2020 to 2023.
For Kentucky, this hire brings in a coach with deep regional ties, SEC success, and a proven ability to develop talent in the backfield. For Smith, it’s a return to familiar territory - and another opportunity to make his mark in the SEC.