Will Stein isn't just bringing his playbook to Lexington; he is bringing his people.
Kentucky football is officially hiring Parker Fleming to coach special teams and inside wide receivers, making him the second Oregon assistant to follow Stein to the Bluegrass this month (joining new OL coach Cutter Leftwich).
If you are keeping score, the new offensive staff is starting to look a lot like "Oregon East." And given how the Ducks have moved the ball recently, that is exactly what Kentucky fans should want.
Fleming isn't just a buddy hire; he is a Swiss Army knife.
He comes to Kentucky after serving as an offensive analyst at Oregon, but his resume is filled with on-field power conference experience.
- Ohio State: Started as a GA, returned later to become the Special Teams Coordinator.
- Texas State: Coached Special Teams, Wide Receivers, and Quarterbacks.
- James Madison: Coached Wide Receivers.
Stein needs a staff that can multitask, and Fleming fits the bill. He can develop the slot receivers crucial to Stein’s offense while also managing the chaotic third phase of the game.
Why Parker Fleming's hire is perfectly timed
The most important part of this hire might be the timing.
Last year, the Division I Council approved a massive rule change that permits any staff member to provide technical and tactical instruction to players. Previously, analysts like Fleming were technically restricted from on-field coaching during practice.
Now? The gloves are off.
By hiring a guy with Fleming’s background, someone who has been a coordinator and an analyst, Stein is building a staff that maximizes this new rule. Every person in the building can now coach. Fleming’s ability to bounce between special teams, quarterbacks, and receivers makes him more valuable today than he would have been two years ago.
While the new rule opens up coaching, the off-campus recruiting limits remain firm (11 staff members for FBS). Fleming will likely be one of those road warriors.
Stein promised to modernize the program. Hiring versatile, young coaches from elite programs who understand the modern rules is exactly how you do it. The "Oregon East" experiment is officially underway.
Stein has built an impressive first staff, which you can see here.