Startling update: Kentucky’s football staff is expanding, not slowing down. Will Stein isn’t resting on his laurels as the calendar moves, and the latest development confirms the program’s front office is growing alongside the on-field crew.
Here’s the big news: Jerret McElwain has been named Kentucky’s Director of Player Personnel. In this role, he will collaborate with Pat Biondo and Pete Nochta to oversee the Wildcats’ roster management. McElwain brings a deep resume and a strong track record across major programs, which could prove invaluable as Kentucky builds its depth and talent pipeline.
A bit of background helps illuminate his path. McElwain is the son of Jim McElwain, who served as Central Michigan head coach. Jerret spent the last two years as Assistant Director of Player Personnel under Kalen DeBoer at Alabama, after starting in the business during his time as a student at Alabama in 2014 as a player personnel assistant. His father also held the Crimson Tide’s offensive coordinator position from 2008 to 2011.
Before reuniting with DeBoer in Tuscaloosa, McElwain worked with DeBoer at Washington, and he built a reputation by rising through the scouting ranks in Jim Harbaugh’s programs at Michigan. Like several of Stein’s hires, McElwain arrives in Lexington with a wealth of experience from some of college football’s premier programs, poised to contribute to Kentucky’s roster strategy.
Meanwhile, two other coaching moves round out the latest staff changes. Kentucky added Derek Warehime in late December as run game coordinator, serving as Cutter Leftwich’s right-hand man. Warehime is a seasoned coach with offensive line experience, most recently at Coastal Carolina; he’s headed to the NFL to join the Minnesota Vikings as an assistant offensive line coach. It’s not unprecedented for UK to see staffers depart for the pro ranks, as demonstrated by Jemal Singleton’s brief stint with the Eagles in 2021.
On the additions front, Kentucky officially welcomed three new assistants and a graduate assistant. It’s been reported that Dallas Warmack (offensive line), Tommy Shuler (wide receivers), and Keith Towbridge (running backs) are joining the staff. The fresh name on the roster is Brandon Schnapp, who previously worked with Joe Sloan at LSU; Schnapp will serve as a graduate assistant for Kentucky’s wide receivers.
Here’s the current Kentucky 2026 coaching lineup, reflecting these shifts:
- Joe Sloan: Offensive Coordinator
- Jay Bateman: Defensive Coordinator
- Cutter Leftwich: Offensive Line
- Kolby Smith: Running Backs
- Joe Price III: Wide Receivers
- Josh Christian-Young: Safeties
- Anwar Stewart: Defensive Line
- Tony Washington Jr: Pass Rushers
- Allen Brown: Cornerbacks
- Justin Burke: Passing Game, Tight Ends
- Parker Fleming: Special Teams, Inside Receivers
- Nate Dodson: Assistant Quarterbacks
- Ty Holder: Cornerbacks
- Chad Wilt: Linebackers
- Trey Odom: Safeties
- James Gibson: Nickels
- Jack Ray: Special Teams
- Dallas Warmack: Assistant Offensive Line Coach
- Andrew Coverdale: Pass Game Coordinator
- Keith Towbridge: Assistant Running Backs Coach
- Tommy Shuler: Assistant Wide Receivers Coach
- Pat Biondo: General Manager
- Pete Nochta: Assistant General Manager
- Jerret McElwain: Director of Player Personnel
- Yusuf Corker: Graduate Assistant, Defense
- Bunchy Stallings: Graduate Assistant, Defensive Line
- Paul Rodriguez: Graduate Assistant, Offensive Line
- Brandon Schnapp: Graduate Assistant, Wide Receivers
What do you think about these moves? Do you believe McElwain’s background signals a smarter, more strategic approach to Kentucky’s roster development, or are there potential risks in shifting focus to front-office leadership? Share your take in the comments and join the ongoing discussion.
