Kentucky Football’s New Era: Will Stein’s Staff Taking Shape with Key Hires on Both Sides of the Ball
LEXINGTON - Will Stein’s first month as Kentucky’s head football coach has been nothing short of eventful - and strategic. As he builds his first staff in Lexington, the pieces are starting to fall into place, and the vision is becoming clearer by the day. With a mix of SEC experience, recruiting chops, and long-standing relationships, Stein is shaping a team behind the team that’s built to compete right away.
Let’s break down the major moves so far - what they mean, and why they matter.
Joe Sloan Takes Over as Offensive Coordinator
This one’s official - and it’s a big one. Joe Sloan, fresh off his time at LSU, is now Kentucky’s offensive coordinator.
Sloan brings with him a deep understanding of the SEC landscape and a reputation for developing elite quarterbacks - including a Heisman Trophy winner. That kind of pedigree doesn’t just show up in the stat sheet; it shows up in the locker room, in the film room, and on the recruiting trail.
Sloan’s connection with Stein runs deep, and that familiarity could be a key asset as they work to install a new offensive system. Sloan called the opportunity “a dream come true,” and emphasized his belief in Stein’s leadership and long-term vision. Stein, in turn, praised Sloan’s fit with the culture he’s building, noting his recruiting ability and track record of player development.
Bottom line: This is a hire that signals Kentucky’s intent to be aggressive, innovative, and competitive in the SEC from day one.
Jay Bateman to Lead the Defense
While not yet officially announced by the school, Jay Bateman confirmed Tuesday that he’s joining the Wildcats as their defensive coordinator. Bateman most recently held the same position at Texas A&M, where he also coached linebackers.
Known for his aggressive, multiple-front defenses and strong fundamentals, Bateman brings a wealth of experience and a proven ability to adapt to different personnel. His defenses have traditionally been tough, disciplined, and opportunistic - exactly what Kentucky will need to keep pace in the SEC.
His addition gives Stein a defensive leader who’s been in the fire before and knows what it takes to win at this level.
Wide Receivers and More: Assistant Coaches Begin to Fill In
While not all roles have been officially announced, several names are reportedly joining Stein’s on-field staff:
- Joe Price is expected to coach wide receivers, a key role as Kentucky looks to revamp its passing game under Sloan.
- Josh Christian-Young, Cutter Leftwich, Kolby Smith, and Tony Washington Jr. are also expected to be part of the staff in various assistant roles.
Each of these hires will bring their own strengths to the table, but the common thread here is youth, energy, and a shared belief in what Stein is building.
Off-Field Structure: Biondo and Nochta Bring Experience to the Front Office
Two more names have officially joined the program in key off-field roles:
- Pat Biondo has been named general manager, overseeing roster management, recruiting infrastructure, and long-term team building. Biondo brings a wide-ranging background that includes stops across college football, and he’s stepping into a role that’s becoming increasingly vital in the modern game. Biondo called the opportunity “incredibly exciting,” emphasizing the strong foundation already in place at Kentucky and his desire to help build a sustainable, winning culture.
- Pete Nochta will serve as assistant general manager. Nochta’s relationship with Stein goes back years, and his return to Lexington is as much about family as it is football. He spoke about the opportunity to come home and be part of something special, highlighting Stein’s competitive drive and personal integrity. Stein, for his part, praised both Biondo and Nochta for their work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to connect with people - traits that will be crucial as Kentucky navigates the ever-evolving world of recruiting, NIL, and roster construction.
Josh Pruitt Staying On as Director of Operations
Continuity matters, and Stein is keeping a key piece of the previous regime in place. Josh Pruitt, who has served as Kentucky’s director of operations since March 2020, will remain in his role. That kind of institutional knowledge and logistical leadership can be a quiet but critical part of a successful transition.
The Big Picture
It’s still early in the Will Stein era, but the direction is clear. Kentucky is building a staff that blends SEC experience with fresh energy, proven recruiters with trusted allies, and a vision that extends beyond the field.
The hires of Sloan and Bateman give Stein strong coordinators on both sides of the ball. The additions of Biondo and Nochta strengthen the infrastructure behind the scenes. And the early assistant coach hires suggest a focus on development, recruiting, and alignment with the program’s culture.
This is a foundational moment for Kentucky football - and so far, Stein is making all the right moves.