Bateman comes to Lexington after two seasons with the Aggies.
Will Stein and the Kentucky Wildcats have found their new defensive coordinator.
On Thursday, CBS Sports broke the news that Kentucky was hiring Texas A&M defensive coordinator Jay Bateman to the same position.
Bateman, who’s been with the Aggies for the past two seasons, has coached a unit that ranks No. 19 in total defense and helped his team earn a spot in the College Football Playoff. SP+ had Bateman’s defense ranked No. 19 this season and No. 20 in 2024.
The 52-year-old Bateman did not call defensive plays this season but did so in 2024, so he’s getting a chance to do that again in Lexington. He previously had defensive coordinator stints at Siena, Elon, Army, Ball State, and North Carolina.
Bateman is regarded as a strong recruiter, something that Will Stein has prioritized with his first staff. Bateman will replace Brad White, who is now the defensive coordinator at Florida.
Category: General Sports
