Will Stein's first Kentucky football staff continues to come together. Meet these Kentucky Wildcats' assistants for the 2026 college football season.
Will Stein's first-year Kentucky football staff continues to come together.
As of Dec. 28, UK has its offensive and defensive coordinators in the fold as well as four position coaches following Stein's hire as the Wildcats' coach Dec. 1. Kentucky also has tabbed a general manager.
Here's a look at each hire, as well as their expected role with the Wildcats:
Kentucky football staff 2026
On-field assistants
Jay Bateman
What Bateman said: "In 2023, I was coaching at Florida, and we came up to Kentucky and they beat the brakes off of us. I remember thinking, 'Wow! This is an incredible place.' With Will Stein being one of the brightest young stars in the profession, it was a major reason I would leave Texas A&M. I'm excited to work with one of the sharpest head coaches in the country."
What Stein said: "Jay Bateman is one of the most respected defensive minds in college football. His ability to develop players, create disruptive defenses, and consistently compete at a high level has stood out everywhere he's been. Jay brings energy, experience, and a clear vision for how we want to play defense, and we're excited to welcome him to Kentucky."
Joe Sloan
What Sloan said: "I have the utmost respect for coach Stein as a person, a leader and a developer of young men. I've known Will for a long time, and when this opportunity came up, it was a dream come true. To be able to work with coach Stein at the beginning of his head coaching career, as he builds something so special, means a great deal to me. I know he will make a lasting impact on UK and the commonwealth, and I can’t wait to be a part of it."
What Stein said: "He provides expertise in the Southeastern Conference, and he aligns perfectly with our staff and culture. He has developed some of the best players in the country, including a Heisman Trophy winner, and is going to be a great fit for Kentucky football. He'll also be a tremendous asset in recruiting throughout the South."
Allen Brown
Reported role:Cornerbacks coach
Josh Christian-Young
Role:Safeties coach
What Christian-Young said: "I'm very excited for this opportunity. Coach Stein is one of the rising stars in college football with an elite offensive mind. The chance to work with him while reuniting with Jay Bateman makes this an incredible next step. I can’t wait to get started."
What Stein said: "We are thrilled to welcome Josh Christian-Young to Lexington as our new safeties coach. Houston's secondary has played physical, disciplined football and they have been productive. That's exactly the standard we want at Kentucky."
Cutter Leftwich
Role:Offensive line coach
What Leftwich said: "I'm incredibly excited for the opportunity to coach at Kentucky and to continue working alongside coach Stein. This will be my fourth season working with him, and the success we've had together is something we're eager to bring to the Big Blue Nation. I can't wait to build on the rich history and tradition of outstanding offensive lines that have come through UK."
What Stein said: "Cutter is a great addition to our staff. He knows what it takes to build a tough, disciplined offensive line, and players have thrived under his leadership. I love his energy and how he pushes his players to be their best."
Joe Price III
Role:Wide receivers coach
What Price said: "I'm grateful for the opportunity to reconnect with Will Stein and join his staff. We worked together for three years at UTSA, and I believe in what Will does offensively. Between coach Stein and coach Sloan, there's a clear vision for an explosive offense, and the chance to be part of something unique and special at Kentucky is really exciting."
What Stein said: "Joe and I go back to our coaching days at UTSA and I'm thrilled to add him to our staff at Kentucky. He is energetic, detailed, and connects extremely well with players. He's just an incredible person and I know he will make a tremendous impact on our offense."
Kolby Smith
Reported role:Running backs coach
Anwar Stewart
Role:Defensive line coach
What Stewart said: "I’m excited for the opportunity to continue building here at Kentucky. This program means a lot to me, and I believe strongly in the vision Coach Stein has for where we’re headed. I’m excited to keep developing our defensive line and doing everything I can to help this team compete at the highest level."
What Stein said: "Retaining Anwar Stewart as our defensive line coach was one of my main priorities when I took the job. His reputation as one of the top defensive line coaches in the country speaks for itself. He’s an excellent coach and developer of young men, and I’m excited he’s going to continue helping our players reach their full potential."
Tony Washington Jr.
Reported role:Defensive ends/outside linebackers coach
Off-field staffers
Pat Biondo
Role:General manager
What Biondo said: "I'm incredibly grateful to be named the general manager for Kentucky football. Each of my previous stops had helped prepare me for this role by giving me a broad perspective on roster management, recruiting and building a sustainable program. Kentucky has a strong foundation and a clear vision, and I’m excited to work alongside coach Stein and our staff to help build a roster that reflects the culture of Kentucky football."
What Stein said: "I'm thrilled to welcome Pat as our new general manager. He has a relentless work ethic and a clear vision for what it takes to build a team and a successful program. His ability to connect with people and bring out the best in those around him makes him a perfect fit."
Pete Nochta
Role:Assistant general manager
What Nochta said: "I've known Will most of my adult life. I know his heart, his character, the person he is, and how much he cares about people. He’s also the ultimate competitor, and he instills confidence in everyone around him. Another reason I’m excited to be back is so I can be closer to my parents, and they can see their grandson grow up. Having the chance to come home, where I grew up, and be a part of what Will is building is so special and something I couldn’t pass up. To leave a place I’ve been for 10 years tells you how much I believe in Will Stein."
What Stein said: "I've known Pete a long time, and he’s an outstanding addition to our program. 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 1."
Reach Kentucky men’s basketball and football reporter Ryan Black at [email protected] and follow him on X at @RyanABlack.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Will Stein Kentucky football staff 2026, UK Wildcats assistant coaches
Category: General Sports
