UCF is set to bring in a seasoned hand to lead its offensive line, as AJ Blazek is expected to take over the position, according to a team source. At 47, Blazek brings with him over two decades of coaching experience, a deep well of Big Ten ties, and a proven track record of building tough, disciplined offensive fronts.
This hire comes at a poignant time for the Knights, who are still mourning the loss of former offensive line coach Shawn Clark, who passed away unexpectedly in September. Blazek now steps into a role that carries both strategic importance and emotional weight.
Blazek arrives in Orlando after spending last season at Wisconsin under head coach Luke Fickell. Prior to that, he spent three years at Vanderbilt, helping to develop SEC linemen in a tough, physical conference. But his coaching roots run deeper than just the Power Five.
A Kansas native and former center at Iowa, Blazek was a two-year letter winner under legendary coach Kirk Ferentz. He earned All-Big Ten honors in 2000 and served as a team captain during a pivotal season for the Hawkeyes. That leadership and on-field experience have clearly shaped his coaching style - one rooted in accountability, toughness, and technical precision.
Blazek’s coaching journey began right where he played, starting as a student assistant at Iowa before becoming a graduate assistant from 2001 to 2004. He then took on coordinator duties at Fort Hays State, overseeing both the offensive line and the broader offensive scheme from 2005 to 2008. From there, he continued to sharpen his craft at Winona State in Minnesota and later at Western Illinois.
His return to the Big Ten came in 2016 with a spot on Chris Ash’s staff, where he continued to build his reputation as a strong developer of talent in the trenches. But perhaps the most eye-catching stop on his résumé came in 2019 at North Dakota State. That season, Blazek helped guide the Bison to a national title while coaching an offensive line that rushed for a school-record 4,601 yards - a staggering total that speaks volumes about his ability to build a dominant ground game.
Blazek joined Clark Lea’s staff at Vanderbilt in 2021 before making the move to Wisconsin, and now he brings all that experience to a UCF program looking to take another step forward in the Big 12.
The Knights averaged 158 rushing yards per game last season, ranking in the top 70 nationally. That’s a solid foundation, but the expectation is that Blazek’s arrival could help elevate that production even further. His track record suggests he’s more than capable - whether it’s developing young linemen, coordinating a physical run game, or simply instilling a culture of toughness up front.
For UCF, this is more than just a coaching hire. It’s a chance to reinforce the identity of the offense and honor the legacy of a coach who meant so much to the program. With Blazek now in the fold, the Knights’ offensive line will look to carry that torch - and push the pile forward.