Will Stein Assembles Key Front Office Team to Shape Kentucky Football’s New Era
Will Stein hasn’t wasted any time putting his fingerprints on the Kentucky football program. Just days into his tenure as head coach, Stein is already building from the inside out - starting with the front office. On Tuesday, he announced a trio of hires that signal his priorities: recruiting, relationships, and operational excellence.
Pat Biondo is stepping in as general manager, Pete Nochta joins as assistant GM, and Josh Pruitt - a familiar face in Lexington - will remain as director of football operations. Together, this trio brings a blend of national recruiting pedigree, local ties, and institutional knowledge. It’s a foundational move for a coach who understands that building a winning program starts long before kickoff.
Pat Biondo: Recruiting Architect with a National Track Record
Biondo arrives in Lexington with serious recruiting credentials. During his time at Oregon, he helped craft four straight top-15 recruiting classes, including the No. 3-ranked class in the country in 2024, according to 247Sports.
That’s not just impressive - that’s elite. Before Oregon, Biondo spent three seasons at Texas A&M, where he was part of three more top-10 signing classes.
Simply put, the man knows how to build talent pipelines.
Stein praised Biondo’s relentless work ethic and vision, calling him someone who not only understands what it takes to build a successful program but also elevates those around him. That’s a big endorsement - and it’s clear Biondo’s reputation as a connector and strategist made him a top target for Stein.
Interestingly, Biondo’s path to football began on the hardwood. He spent nearly a decade with West Virginia’s women’s basketball program in various roles, from video coordinator to director of operations. That background in team logistics and player development, combined with his football recruiting chops, gives him a unique perspective on building a program holistically.
“I’m incredibly grateful to be named general manager at Kentucky,” 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 here.”
Pete Nochta: Local Roots, Lifelong Bonds
If Biondo brings the national reach, Pete Nochta brings the homegrown connection. A former Louisville tight end and a cancer survivor, Nochta is returning to his hometown to help guide Kentucky’s football operations - this time under the leadership of a longtime friend.
Nochta and Stein go way back. They were teammates at Louisville in the late 2000s and have stayed close ever since. That relationship matters - trust, shared vision, and a deep understanding of each other’s approach can go a long way in establishing a new culture.
Nochta spent the past decade at Louisville, where he played a pivotal role in recruiting some big names - Tutu Atwell, Mekhi Becton, and Chris Bell among them. He’s held titles ranging from director of recruiting to director of on-campus recruiting and high school relations. He’s also done graduate assistant work at Purdue and Western Kentucky, giving him a well-rounded résumé in both player evaluation and relationship management.
“I’ve known Will most of my adult life,” Nochta said. “I know his heart, his character, and how much he cares about people.
He’s also the ultimate competitor. Coming home and being part of what he’s building is something I couldn’t pass up.”
Nochta is more than just a football mind - he’s a fighter. Diagnosed with Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2015, he’s been in remission and continues to inspire those around him.
He’s also no stranger to Lexington. A Tates Creek High School alum, Nochta’s father, John, was a Kentucky football letterwinner in the 1970s and later became a respected high school coach in the area.
Stein called Nochta “experienced, detail-driven, and committed to doing things the right way.” That’s the kind of guy you want in your corner when you’re trying to build something new.
Josh Pruitt: The Steady Hand in the Storm
While Stein is bringing in fresh faces, he’s also smart enough to keep a key piece in place. Josh Pruitt will remain as director of football operations, a role he’s held for the past five seasons. But his Kentucky tenure runs much deeper - Pruitt has been part of the program since 2013, serving in a variety of roles including quality control coach, director of player personnel, and graduate assistant.
That kind of institutional knowledge is invaluable during a coaching transition. Pruitt knows the ins and outs of the program - from travel logistics to internal coordination - and his presence will help smooth the handoff from the previous regime to Stein’s.
Before Kentucky, Pruitt coached at Kilgore Junior College in Texas, East Mississippi, and Catholic University in D.C. He played college ball at Garden City and Troy and holds three degrees, including a master’s in sports administration from UK. That academic and coaching background gives him a 360-degree view of what it takes to keep a program running behind the scenes.
Building the Blueprint
In today’s college football landscape, where the transfer portal is always open and recruiting is a 24/7 grind, infrastructure matters. Stein knows that. And he’s not just hiring names - he’s building a team that reflects his values: vision, work ethic, connection, and detail.
Biondo brings the national recruiting muscle. Nochta offers deep Kentucky roots and a proven ability to connect with players and families. Pruitt provides the continuity and operational know-how to keep the train on the tracks.
It’s early in the Stein era, but moves like these show a clear intent: Kentucky isn’t just trying to compete - they’re trying to build something sustainable. And it starts with the people behind the scenes.