If it feels like Kentucky is hiring a new coach every time you refresh your Twitter feed, you aren't crazy. You are just watching Will Stein modernize the program in real-time.
The latest addition to the army is Chad Wilt, who is set to become the new linebackers coach.
Wilt arrives with a heavy resume. He has served as the defensive coordinator at Indiana and a defensive line coach at Minnesota, Cincinnati, and Maryland. But his hiring signals something bigger than just filling a position room. It is proof that Stein is fully embracing the new landscape in the NCAA.
Kentucky is expected to hire Chad Wilt as a linebackers coach, sources tell @CBSSports.
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) December 30, 2025
Most recently worked at Michigan State, Indiana and Minnesota. Has coached six future NFL draft picks. Previously worked with new Kentucky DC Jay Bateman at Army and Ball State. pic.twitter.com/wZTItwYmFM
The Jay Bateman connection
Chemistry matters on a new staff, and Wilt brings instant familiarity to the defensive side of the ball.
Wilt spent three seasons (2016-2018) as the defensive line coach at Army, working directly under Kentucky's new defensive coordinator, Jay Bateman. Together, they built defenses that consistently punched above their weight class against superior talent.
That shared history is crucial. When you are installing a new system in the SEC, you don't have time for a "get to know you" phase. Bateman knows Wilt understands his aggressive, multiple-front scheme, and Wilt knows exactly what Bateman demands.
A resume of production for Chad Wilt
Wilt isn't just a "buddy hire." He has been a grinder at the Power 4 level for a decade.
- Indiana (2022-2023): Defensive Coordinator / Linebackers.
- Minnesota (2020-2021): Defensive Line.
- Cincinnati (2019): Defensive Line.
- Michigan State (2024): Co-Special Teams / Defensive Ends.
He also has a track record of winning recruiting battles. At Maryland, he was the primary recruiter for Jesse Aniebonam, a 4-star defensive end ranked in the Top 130 nationally. He also landed 4-star talents like Trey Bixby (Minnesota) and Deven Eastern.
Why does Kentucky suddenly have so many coaches?
Stein is exploiting a 2024 NCAA rule change that removed the limit on how many staffers can provide "technical and tactical instruction."
Previously, only 10 assistants could coach on the field. Everyone else had to stand silently in the background. Now? The gloves are off.
Stein is building a staff where the line between "analyst" and "coach" is basically invisible.
- Justin Burke (UTSA OC) is an offensive assistant.
- Derek Warehime is the Run Game Coordinator.
- Parker Fleming is handling Special Teams.
By loading up on experienced coaches like Wilt, Stein ensures that players are getting NFL-level instruction at every position, while spreading the recruiting workload across an army of staffers rather than just 10 guys.
"The best trait of a college football coach now is adaptability," Stein said. "It ain't the olden days."
To see Kentucky football's updated staff, click here as we update through each hire.