Kentucky is expected to make a key addition to its defensive coaching staff, bringing in a familiar face to new defensive coordinator Jay Bateman. Former Michigan State assistant Chad Wilt is reportedly set to join the Wildcats as their next linebackers coach.
Wilt brings a wealth of experience across multiple Power Five and Group of Five programs, and his coaching résumé reflects a steady climb through the college football ranks. Most recently, he served as co-special teams coordinator and rush ends coach at Michigan State, where he spent the last two seasons. He joined the Spartans in 2024, aligning with then-head coach Jonathan Smith’s staff.
What makes this move particularly interesting is Wilt’s connection to Bateman. The two previously worked together at both Army and Ball State, and that shared history could be a key factor in how Kentucky’s defensive identity takes shape under the new regime. Continuity and familiarity can be huge in a sport where coaching chemistry often translates directly to on-field execution.
Wilt’s journey through the coaching world has taken him to Indiana, Minnesota, Cincinnati, Army, Maryland, and Ball State. That broad experience gives him a well-rounded perspective on defensive schemes and player development, especially in the front seven. He’s coached in the Big Ten, the American, and now steps into the SEC - a conference where linebacker play is often the heartbeat of elite defenses.
For Kentucky, this hire signals a continued emphasis on building a defense that’s both aggressive and fundamentally sound. Wilt’s background with rush ends and special teams also adds versatility to the staff, giving the Wildcats another coach with a wide lens on how to impact the game beyond just the linebacker room.
While the move hasn’t been officially announced, all signs point to Wilt reuniting with Bateman in Lexington. And if their past collaborations are any indication, Kentucky’s defense could be in for a smart, physical, and well-coordinated boost heading into the next chapter of SEC play.