Kentucky football continues to reshape its staff, adding a mix of familiar faces and seasoned veterans to the program. Head coach Mark Stoops officially announced three new staff members:
Paul Rodriguez – Former Kentucky offensive tackle, now a graduate assistant.
Brad Lambert – Former head coach at Charlotte, joining as a defensive analyst focused on nickelbacks.
Kevin Barbay – Former Houston offensive coordinator, now an offensive analyst.
With these hires, Kentucky is bringing in youthful energy, head coaching experience, and offensive creativity to help develop the team heading into the 2025 season.
Paul Rodriguez: A Wildcat Returns
For Paul Rodriguez, the opportunity to coach at Kentucky is a homecoming. A former offensive tackle for the Wildcats, Rodriguez was forced to medically retire from playing but remained involved with the program. Now, he takes on a graduate assistant role, working with the offensive line and bringing firsthand experience to the position.
While his playing career was cut short, his understanding of Kentucky’s system, culture, and offensive philosophy makes him a strong addition to the staff.
Brad Lambert: A Defensive Mind with Head Coaching Experience
Few coaches have as much experience as Brad Lambert when it comes to building defenses. The former Charlotte head coach (2011-2018) is now officially a defensive analyst for Kentucky, where he will specialize in working with the nickelbacks.
Lambert’s résumé includes stops at Wake Forest, Georgia, Marshall, Purdue, and most recently, a return to Wake Forest as defensive coordinator. However, after a coaching change, he was not retained, leaving the door open for Stoops to bring in a veteran mind to bolster Kentucky’s defensive staff.
His expertise in secondary play, defensive schemes, and player development makes him a valuable addition to a Kentucky defense that will need to reload and refine heading into next season.
Kevin Barbay: Offensive Experience Across the Country
Kentucky also added Kevin Barbay as an offensive analyst, bringing in a coach with over 20 years of experience at multiple levels of college football.
Barbay most recently served as Houston’s offensive coordinator, but he was let go after one season. Despite that setback, his career features numerous stops at notable programs, including:
Florida (2015-2017) – Director of Player Development
Central Michigan (2019-2021) – Assistant Head Coach, then Offensive Coordinator
Appalachian State (2022) – Offensive Coordinator
Mississippi State (2023) – Offensive Coordinator
With a background in coaching quarterbacks, wide receivers, and special teams, Barbay brings versatility and deep offensive knowledge to Kentucky’s staff. As an analyst, he will work behind the scenes to break down film, strategize game plans, and assist the offensive staff in player development.
Kentucky Strengthens Its Coaching Infrastructure
With these additions, Mark Stoops continues to enhance his coaching staff with a blend of youth, experience, and expertise.
Rodriguez adds familiarity and passion as a former Wildcat.
Lambert provides decades of defensive knowledge to help with Kentucky’s nickelbacks.
Barbay brings a creative offensive mind to assist in game-planning and preparation.
As spring practice continues, these new staff members will play an important role in shaping Kentucky’s strategy and player development heading into the 2025 season.