Kentucky Football Assistants Receive Contract Extensions

The coaching carousel appears to have stopped spinning in Lexington. Four Kentucky football assistant coaches have signed contract extensions, according to the UK office of legal counsel.

Last week wide receivers coach Scott Woodward was fired after three years at Kentucky. Some speculated that was just the beginning. Quite the contrary, it appears the staff turnover has ceased this offseason.

Offensive line coach Zach Yenser signed a one-year extension through the 2024 season that continues to pay him $650,000 annually. After a rough start in his first season where the Big Blue Wall allowed more sacks than any other Power Five program, the Cats showed improvement up front in 2022. Kentucky tied for third in the SEC in sacks allowed (20) and fourth in tackles for loss allowed (62) while paving the way for Ray Davis to rush for more than 1,000 yards. The return of Yenser gives the unit some much-needed continuity.

Three defensive assistants signed two-year contract extensions: Anwar Stewart (defensive line), Mike Stoops (linebackers) and Frank Buffano (safeties).

Anwar Stewart’s defensive line was arguably the most consistent position group on the team in 2023. Led by All-SEC selection Deone Walker, Kentucky had the third-best run defense in the SEC and ranked No. 26 nationally. A close confidant of Brad White, Anwar Stewart played at UK and served as a graduate assistant for a couple of seasons before returning to Lexington. Next year will be his fifth year serving in this capacity at Kentucky. The new contract gives Stewart a $200,000 raise. He will now earn $525,000 annually.

Mark’s brother, Mike Stoops, received a slight raise, moving from $650,000 to $700,000 annually. In addition to coaching linebackers, the former defensive coordinator serves as a sounding board for White. Next season will be his third at Kentucky.

Frank Buffano is one of the few original members of Mark Stoops’ staff to remain at Kentucky. The Youngstown native began his career as the director of operations before he was promoted to safeties coach in 2020. Buffano received a raise from $415,000 to $440,000 in annual compensation.

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