As spring football inches closer, Kentucky continues to build out its infrastructure with a clear focus on long-term success - and that means more than just coaching hires. In today’s college football landscape, having a fully functional front office is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. That’s exactly what Will Stein and his staff are putting together in Lexington.
The latest addition? Jerret McElwain, who’s stepping in as the Wildcats’ new Director of Player Personnel. He’ll be working closely with Pete Nochta and Pat Biondo, helping to anchor the personnel side of Kentucky’s operation - a crucial piece of the puzzle as programs across the country embrace NFL-style organizational models.
McElwain brings with him a resume that’s as solid as they come. Most recently, he was part of Alabama’s player personnel department, serving as the Assistant Director under the Crimson Tide’s vaunted recruiting machine.
Before that, he had stints under Kalen DeBoer at Washington and Jim Harbaugh at Michigan - two coaches known for building competitive, detail-oriented programs. That kind of experience doesn’t just look good on paper; it brings a wealth of insight into talent evaluation, roster management, and the behind-the-scenes strategy that fuels elite-level recruiting.
If the last name sounds familiar, it should. Jerret is the son of Jim McElwain, the former Florida Gators head coach. That football lineage adds another layer to his understanding of the game - and of the SEC in particular.
With the Wildcats already having their general managers in place, adding a seasoned personnel mind like McElwain is a strong move toward building a front office that can compete with the best in the conference. It’s the kind of hire that may not make headlines today, but could pay dividends in the fall - and beyond.
Now the question becomes: can Kentucky translate that off-field momentum into on-field results? With a sharper front office and a clear plan in place, the foundation is there. The next step is turning that structure into wins.