Former Florida, LSU Assistant Jabbar Juluke Reportedly a Target for Kentucky Running Backs Coach

An SEC veteran is bringing more Louisiana connections to Kentucky. Jabbar Juluke is a top target to join Will Stein’s staff as Kentucky’s next running backs coach, according to Matt Zenitz.

A New Orleans native, Juluke spent the last four years in Gainesville. In addition to coaching running backs, he also serves as the Florida associate head coach. Prior to his time at Florida, he worked with Billy Napier at Louisiana. In 2019, he was named FootballScoop running backs coach of the year. He also spent a couple of seasons at La. Tech, and was at LSU in 2016. Prior to joining the collegiate ranks, Juluke was the head coach at Edna Carr (La.) for nine years, and went to three state championship games over his final four seasons.

Earlier this year, Juluke made headlines before a game. The assistant was suspended for three games after getting in the middle of a scuffle between Florida and LSU players. A source tells KSR he would have been the interim coach this season if not for that pregame incident.

Juluke served as the primary recruiter for Trevor Etienne, who was a Top 20 running back in the country when he signed with the Gators. He is also credited with helping the Gators land quarterback DJ Lagway, and he played a role in getting Grant Delpit, who won the Jim Thorpe award, to LSU.

Under Juluke’s guidance, Jadan Baugh was outstanding for the Gators. After emerging as a standout true freshman in 2024, Baugh was one of only four SEC running backs to rush for 1,000 yards last season. He averaged 5.3 yards per carry and had eight touchdowns.

It’s the second person Stein has eyed for his staff with deep ties in Louisiana. Joe Sloan is expected to serve as the Wildcats’ offensive coordinator. During his first week on the job, he signed four-star Louisiana native Kenny Darby.

A 53-year-old veteran in the coaching ranks at every level, Juluke could add some much-needed experience to this young coaching staff.

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