Will Stein’s first Kentucky football staff is still taking shape, but one thing’s already clear - he’s not afraid to shake things up. The latest addition?
A coach who brings energy, experience, and a knack for developing edge rushers. Tony Washington Jr. is heading to Lexington to coach outside linebackers and defensive ends, and his résumé suggests he’s more than ready to stir up some chaos in opposing backfields.
Washington comes to Kentucky fresh off a stint at Ohio State, where he served as an assistant defensive line coach. While there, he played a key role in the development of Arvell Reese - a name that’s now being mentioned in early first-round NFL Draft conversations.
That kind of player development doesn’t happen by accident. Washington’s fingerprints are all over Reese’s rise, and Kentucky is hoping he can bring that same magic to the SEC.
This isn’t the first time Washington and Stein have crossed paths. The two were together at Oregon, where Washington - a former Ducks standout himself - wore multiple hats between 2021 and 2023.
Whether it was assisting with the defensive line or helping in other support roles, Washington proved he could handle a variety of responsibilities at a high level. He’s also made coaching stops at UCLA and Nebraska, where he was a graduate assistant from 2019 to 2020.
As a player, Washington was a force at Oregon from 2011 to 2014. He racked up 158 tackles, 26 tackles for loss, and 14.5 sacks over four seasons. That production, paired with his coaching chops, gives him a unique blend of credibility and relatability - especially in a room full of young pass rushers looking to make a name for themselves.
And that room? It’s got some potential.
If the roster holds steady through the offseason, Washington will inherit a group that’s already flashed some serious upside. Mi’Quise Humphrey-Grace stood out against the run and showed enough quickness off the edge to disrupt the pocket.
Meanwhile, Lorenzo Cowan came on strong late in his redshirt freshman season, stepping in for Sam Greene and showing real promise before a season-ending injury in November. If Cowan returns healthy, and if Humphrey-Grace continues to develop, Washington could have a dynamic duo to work with.
As for the broader picture, Stein’s staff is slowly coming into focus. While only Stein has been officially announced, here’s how the projected 2026 Kentucky coaching staff is shaping up:
- Will Stein - Head Coach
- Joe Sloan - Offensive Coordinator
- Jay Bateman - Defensive Coordinator
- Cutter Leftwich - Offensive Line
- Justin Burke - Tight Ends
- Joe Price III - Wide Receivers
- Josh Christian-Young - Safeties
- Anwar Stewart - Defensive Line
- **Tony Washington Jr. ** - Outside Linebackers/Defensive Ends
- Mike Hartline - Offensive Analyst
- Pat Biondo - General Manager
- Pete Nochta - Director of Player Personnel
It’s still early, and there may be more moves to come, but Stein is clearly building a staff that blends youth, experience, and familiarity. Washington checks all three boxes - and if his track record is any indication, Kentucky’s pass rush might be in for a serious upgrade.