Kentucky expected to bring back former offensive line coach Eric Wolford

A familiar face is returning to Lexington. On Thursday, Kentucky Sports Radio’s Matt Jones reported the Wildcats are parting ways with offensive line coach Zach Yenser and replacing him with Eric Wolford, who was the program’s O-line coach in 2021.

In Wolford’s lone season leading Kentucky’s front five, UK’s offense ranked No. 5 in success rate, No. 15 in points per drive, and No. 21 in yards per play. Wolford coached Luke Fortner and Darian Kinnard, who both were draft picks.

The 52-year-old coach didn’t stick around Kentucky for long. After spending one season under Mark Stoops, Wolford accepted a job as Alabama’s offensive line coach. Wolford spent the past two seasons there, working with offensive coordinators Bill O’Brien and Tommy Rees.

Alabama’s offensive line struggled at times in the 2023 campaign, particularly the team often failed to protect quarterback Jalen Milroe. Alabama allowed 49 sacks this season, ranking No. 122 in the country.

Wolford’s decision to join the Crimson Tide after Kentucky’s 2021 campaign was riddled with controversy. Wolford accepted Alabama’s offer while he was on a trip to recruit former three-star OL Jalen Farmer for UK. His decision reportedly shocked Kentucky’s staff.

At the time, Farmer didn’t commit to Kentucky or Alabama. However, after a twist of fate, Kentucky will boast both Wolford and Farmer next season. The former Florida lineman committed to Kentucky in the transfer portal in December.

More on Eric Wolford’s résumé

Wolford began his coaching career at his alma mater, Kansas State, where he worked as a graduate assistant with the offensive line under John Latina. He then spent two years as the offensive line and strength coach at Emporia State.

After hopping around at multiple programs, Wolford landed at Arizona, where he spent three seasons as the offensive line coach. While with the Wildcats, Wolford spent time with current Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops.

When he left Arizona, Wolford coached O-line units at Illinois and South Carolina. Finally, Wolford was given the opportunity to lead his own program. Wolford spent five seasons (2010-14) in his hometown as the head coach at Youngstown State.

After a 3-8 mark in his first season, the Penguins compiled a 28-18 mark over his final four campaigns. His teams were ranked in the top 10 three times and broke 32 school records during his tenure.

Following his successful tenure at Youngstown State, Wolford added NFL experience to his expansive résumé, making a two-year stop with the San Francisco 49ers. Wolford was South Carolina’s offensive line coach from 2017-20 before first being hired by Kentucky.