Kentucky football announces Pat Biondo as GM, Pete Nochta as assistant GM

Kentucky football is rolling with not one, but two general managers under first-year head coach Will Stein.

The program announced on Tuesday morning the hirings of Pat Biondo as general manager and Pete Nochta as assistant general manager.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Pat as our new general manager,” Stein said of Biondo in UK’s press release. “He has a relentless work ethic and a clear vision for what it takes to build a team and a successful program. His ability to connect with people and bring out the best in those around him makes him a perfect fit.”

“I’ve known Pete a long time and he’s an outstanding addition to our program,” Stein said of Nochta. “He’s experienced, detail-driven, and committed to doing things the right way. I’m looking forward to the impact he’ll make from day one.”

Biondo (pronounced bee-ON-doe, per UK) is following Stein from Oregon, where he spent the last four seasons serving as the Ducks’ director of football recruiting strategy. Biondo helped Oregon land the No. 4 overall recruiting class in 2025. Nochta comes to Lexington after 10 seasons at rival Louisville, serving as the Cardinals’ director of recruiting over the last four seasons.

UK also announced that Josh Pruitt is being retained as the team’s director of operations. Pruitt will enter his 14th season at UK and sixth as director of operations.

Welcome to #BBN, @ptbiondo and @pete_nochta13.

📰🔗 – https://t.co/zTHfrWbTVz pic.twitter.com/8IKKcbfXva

— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) December 16, 2025

Biondo was at Texas A&M for three seasons prior to his time at Oregon, taking over as the senior assistant of recruiting and operations for the Aggies. He helped bring in three recruiting classes at Texas A&M that were ranked top 10 nationally. A native of New York, Biondo graduated from West Virginia in 2009 before spending nine years in various roles with the Mountaineers’ women’s basketball team.

“I’m incredibly grateful to be named the general manager for Kentucky football,” Biondo said. “Each of my previous stops had helped prepare me for this role by giving me a broad perspective on roster management, recruiting, and building a sustainable program. Kentucky has a strong foundation and a clear vision, and I’m excited to work alongside Coach Stein and our staff to help build a roster that reflects the culture of Kentucky Football.”

As for Nochta, he assumed the role of Louisville’s director of high school relations for one season (2018) and the director of on-campus recruiting for two (2016-17) before moving into recruiting. He got his start as a graduate assistant for the likes of Purdue and Western Kentucky before making his way to UL. Nochta is familiar with Lexington, having attended Tates Creek High School. His dad, John, played football for Kentucky in the 1970s.

“I’ve known Will most of my adult life,” Nochta said.  “I know his heart, his character, the person he is, and how much he cares about people. He’s also the ultimate competitor, and he instills confidence in everyone around him.

“Another reason I’m excited to be back is so I can be closer to my parents, and they can see their grandson grow up. Having the chance to come home, where I grew up, and be a part of what Will is building is so special and something I couldn’t pass up. To leave a place I’ve been for 10 years, tells you how much I believe in Will Stein.”

While Stein has been finishing out his season at Oregon, he’s had no problems filling out his staff at Kentucky.