Kentucky Football Welcomes Derek Shay as New Tight Ends Coach — Here’s What You Need to Know 
The Kentucky Wildcats football program has made a strategic addition to its coaching staff, appointing Derek Shay as the new tight ends coach ahead of the upcoming season. This move signals the Wildcats’ intent to sharpen their offensive versatility and player development, especially at a position that has grown increasingly vital in modern college football schemes.
Derek Shay arrives in Lexington with a solid resume and a reputation for developing talent. Known for his detailed approach to blocking techniques and pass-catching fundamentals, Shay is expected to bring both energy and structure to Kentucky’s tight end unit. Before joining the Wildcats, Shay was part of the coaching staff at Florida Atlantic and also worked as a recruiting analyst at Penn State, giving him a strong foundation in both tactical coaching and talent identification.
At Florida Atlantic, Shay earned praise for helping improve red-zone efficiency and tight end production, two areas where Kentucky aims to take a significant leap. With the Wildcats hoping to climb the SEC ladder, having a coach who can develop physical, dual-threat tight ends could be a game-changer in their offensive game plan.
Head Coach Mark Stoops expressed confidence in Shay’s appointment, stating, “Derek understands the details of the game and brings a relentless work ethic. We’re excited for the impact he’ll have on and off the field.”
Beyond X’s and O’s, Shay is recognized for his player-first mentality and strong communication skills, which will be key in building trust and growth among a young tight end group eager to break out.
As fall camp approaches, all eyes will be on how Shay molds the position — and whether his arrival could be the catalyst for a more dynamic Kentucky offense in the 2025 season and beyond.
