Josh Kattus was all smiles at SEC Media Days Thursday. (UK Athletics Photo)
Kentucky coach Mark Stoops said at Southeastern Conference Media Days in Atlanta Thursday that he liked the “juice” as well as the experience that a plethora of new players have brought to the UK football team going into the 2025 season.
However, there’s one area where he’s delighted to have continuity with the return of offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan for a second straight season.
“This is the first time in a long time that the offensive coordinator is returning for the second season,” Stoops said. “It’s been uncommon to have the turnover that we’ve had at offensive coordinator. Obviously, that caught up to us.
“This season, bringing Bush Hamdan back for a second year is something I’m excited about. We need to build, and I’m confident we’ll do that.”
Senior tight end Josh Kattus has played under a variety of coordinators and is certainly glad to have Hamdan back.
“I love it. I’ve gone through three head coaches in high school, three offensive coordinators in college. It’s nothing new to me. It’s nice to have that familiar face and offense and have that continuity,” Kattus said at SEC Media Days. “Obviously, there’s 50 newcomers, so they’re going to have to learn the offense.
“But we’re a player-led team, and that’s what coach Stoops wants and that’s what coach Hamdan challenges some of the offensive leaders to do, to make sure some of these new guys pick it up fast, play fast, and help us win games. It’s really nice.
“I love Coach Hamdan. I like him on and off the field. I like playing for him. I think he’s a brilliant play-caller.”
Kattus will have a new position coach. Tight ends coach Vince Marrow recently left UK to take a job at Louisville and Stoops promoted analyst Derek Shay to tight ends coach, a move Kattus endorses.
“Very, very quick adjustment. Very smooth,” Stoops said about the transition to Shay. “He’s a guy that Coach Hamdan and he work side by side anyway. Big picture scheme, a guy that Bush relied on, the communication that’s already been done.
“He’s already coached tight ends at a high level in a Power Five school. I love what I’m seeing there. He immediately, within a day or two of being promoted, at least verbally by me, hit the ground running, did amazing in recruiting. He’s done a wonderful job in the classroom, as well. Very excited about Derek.”
4 Responses
If we don't have a strong running game, receivers who can separate and catch, and a better O line to protect the quarterback, it won't matter who is calling the offensive plays.
Kattus is excellent at TE when the ball is thrown to him. His production with the ball
In his hands must rate much higher than most of the receivers, which should result in getting more plays that call his #.
Hamden works only of Stoops stays out of the play calling business. Given his track record of trumping his OC's calls, not likely to happen.
History will repeat itself. It will never change. I can think of 9 million reasons why there is no concern about the play calling results