Kentucky football is making some serious moves behind the scenes as new head coach Will Stein continues to shape his vision for the program. On Tuesday, Stein announced the addition of Pat Biondo as General Manager and Pete Nochta as Assistant General Manager, while also retaining Josh Pruitt as Director of Football Operations. These hires aren’t just about filling seats-they’re about building a foundation for long-term success in Lexington.
Pat Biondo: A Recruiting Architect with a Proven Track Record
Let’s start with Biondo, whose resume reads like a blueprint for elite roster building. He spent the last four years at Oregon as the Director of Football Recruiting Strategy, where he helped the Ducks land four consecutive top-15 recruiting classes, including a No. 3 national ranking in 2024, per 247Sports. That kind of consistency doesn’t happen by accident-it takes vision, relentless effort, and a deep understanding of how to connect with top-tier talent.
“Pat has a relentless work ethic and a clear vision for what it takes to build a team,” Stein said. “His ability to connect with people and bring out the best in those around him makes him a perfect fit.”
Before his time in Eugene, Biondo spent three seasons at Texas A&M, where he played a key role in assembling three top-10 recruiting classes. The Aggies’ 2019 group was ranked No. 4 nationally. It’s clear that wherever Biondo has gone, the recruiting results have followed.
Biondo’s journey to this point is anything but conventional. He got his start in athletics at West Virginia, working nine years on the Mountaineers’ women’s basketball staff. He wore a lot of hats during that time-video coordinator, special assistant to the head coach, director of basketball operations-and those roles helped him develop the organizational and interpersonal skills that are now paying dividends in football.
A native of Clarence, New York, Biondo earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from WVU, with a focus on coaching and educational leadership. Now, he brings that academic and athletic pedigree to Kentucky, where he’ll be tasked with overseeing roster management, recruiting strategy, and program sustainability.
“I’m incredibly grateful to be named the general manager for Kentucky football,” Biondo said. “Each of my previous stops helped prepare me for this role. Kentucky has a strong foundation and a clear vision, and I’m excited to help build a roster that reflects the culture of Kentucky Football.”
Pete Nochta: A Homegrown Leader with Deep Recruiting Roots
Joining Biondo in the front office is Pete Nochta, a familiar name in Kentucky football circles. Nochta spent the last decade at Louisville, where he most recently served as Director of Recruiting. During his time with the Cardinals, he helped bring in talent like wide receiver Tutu Atwell, offensive lineman Mekhi Becton, and defensive back Quincy Riley-players who made real impacts on the field and, in some cases, at the next level.
“I’ve known Pete a long time,” Stein said. “He’s experienced, detail-driven, and committed to doing things the right way. I’m looking forward to the impact he’ll make from day one.”
Nochta’s coaching journey has taken him through several key roles. He started at Louisville as a graduate assistant for tight ends in 2014, then worked his way up through on-campus recruiting and high school relations before taking over as Director of Recruiting. He also logged time as a grad assistant at Purdue and Western Kentucky, and served as an offensive quality control coach at Purdue.
But Nochta’s connection to Kentucky runs deeper than just football. He grew up in Lexington, attended Tates Creek High School, and his father, John Nochta, played for the Wildcats in the 1970s before becoming a respected high school coach and administrator. Now, Pete returns home-not just to help build a program, but to be closer to family.
“To leave a place I’ve been for 10 years tells you how much I believe in Will Stein,” Nochta said. “Coming home and being part of what he’s building is something special.”
Nochta’s football experience isn’t just on the sidelines-he lived it as a player. He was a tight end at Louisville from 2006 to 2010, playing in 35 games and earning All-BIG EAST Academic honors four times. He was also a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, showing leadership off the field as well.
His personal story adds another layer of inspiration. In 2015, Nochta publicly battled Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He remains in remission today, and that journey has given him a powerful perspective that he brings into every room he walks into.
Josh Pruitt: The Steady Hand Behind the Scenes
While Biondo and Nochta are new faces in new roles, Josh Pruitt is the steady veteran presence that brings continuity to Kentucky’s football operation. Entering his 14th season with the Wildcats and sixth as Director of Operations, Pruitt knows the ins and outs of the program better than just about anyone.
He stepped into the director role in 2020 after previously serving as Director of Player Personnel and a defensive quality control coach. Before that, he was a graduate assistant in Lexington-a role that laid the groundwork for his rise through the ranks.
Pruitt’s coaching roots go back to Kilgore Junior College, where he helped lead the team to an 8-3 record and a bowl game appearance in 2012. His playing days saw him suit up for Garden City Community College and Troy, where he was part of a Sun Belt championship and New Orleans Bowl win in 2006. He later stayed on at Troy as a GA, helping guide the Trojans to three straight conference titles.
With degrees in criminal justice and sports administration, Pruitt brings both academic and football acumen to the table. And with more than a decade in Lexington under his belt, he’s a vital link between the program’s past and its future.
Building the Blueprint
What Stein is doing here isn’t just about filling out a staff-it’s about assembling a leadership team with deep recruiting ties, proven development success, and strong personal connections to the region. Biondo brings national recruiting firepower.
Nochta adds local roots and a decade of ACC experience. Pruitt provides the institutional knowledge and operational consistency that every program needs.
Together, they form a trio that’s built to help Kentucky compete-not just in the SEC, but on the national stage. If you’re looking for signs of a program on the rise, this is one worth watching.