Kentucky targeting Jay Boulware as RB/Special Teams coach

Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops announced Monday he had “a person in mind that I am going to hire” to replace running backs coach/co-special teams coordinator John Settle, who was let go back on Nov. 28.

Stoops wouldn’t reveal the name, but was quick to rattle off what he was looking for at the position with the move.

“A lot of things. Obviously, a dynamic person, a person that can handle the room and coach his position,” he said. “Once again, just as I talked about players, that talent level has to be there, first and foremost. But then I think personality matters, bringing something else to it. Are you a dynamic recruiter? Do you bring something in special teams? There’s several things that you can factor into it.”

Fast forward just 48 hours, and the coach Stoops is targeting for the vacancy has now come to light: Jay Boulware.

KSR’s Matt Jones is reporting that Boulware, who most recently spent time at Texas (2020), Oklahoma (2013-19) and Auburn (2009-12), is expected to be named Kentucky’s new running backs and special teams coach.

I expect Jay Boulware to be the new RB and Special Teams coach at Kentucky.

He most recently had a similar role at Oklahoma and Texas

— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) December 7, 2022

Boulware was most recently the associate head coach for special teams and tight ends coach at Texas, spending one season in Austin. He was previously the special teams and running backs coach at Oklahoma for seven seasons and the special teams and tight ends coach at Auburn for four. Other stops include Iowa State (ST/RB, 2007-08), Utah (TE/co-ST, 2005-06), Stanford (RB, 2004), Arizona (TE/RB/ST, 2001-03) and Northern Illinois (TE/co-OL, 1997-00).

In 23 years as a full-time assistant coach — 20 at the Power 5 level — Boulware has been a part of 16 teams that advanced to bowl games, including 11 of his last 12 years. He earned College Football Playoff berths with the Sooners in four seasons (2015, 2017-19).

During his time at Oklahoma, the 50-year-old coach worked with both Bob and Mike Stoops, creating a clear connection and path to Lexington.