Kentucky officially names Nate Fuqua defensive analyst, OLBs coach

Kentucky has officially hired Nate Fuqua as a defensive analyst and outside linebackers coach. Fuqua has spent the past two seasons at Cincinnati as a co-defensive coordinator and outside linebackers coach.

“We are excited to have Nate Fuqua join our program,” Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops said in a press release. “He brings a lot of experience as he’s been a defensive coach for more than 20 years, including a defensive coordinator the last 11.

“He’s also a Kentucky native and is familiar with this program, having grown up in Danville. He is a welcomed addition to our defensive room.”

Cincinnati fired Fuqua in December after the Bearcats posted a 5-7 overall record and a 3-5 mark in conference play. Cincinnati’s defense allowed 385.4 total yards per game, ranking No. 85 in the nation.

Prior to his stint at Cincinnati, Fuqua served as Georgia State‘s defensive coordinator and outside linebackers coach for six seasons (2017-22). Under Fuqua’s leadership, Georgia State’s defense had several record-setting campaigns.

Specifically, Georgia State’s 2021 team set a pair of school records with 38 sacks and 92 tackles for loss. Georgia State’s run defense ranked second in the Sun Belt in rushing yards allowed in both 2020 and 2021.

Before joining Georgia State, Fuqua coached for 12 seasons at his alma mater Wofford. He was the team’s defensive coordinator in his final three seasons with the program. Now, with a wealth of experience on his résumé, Fuqua is excited to help Kentucky’s defense grow.

“I’m very excited about the opportunity to work with Coach Stoops and Coach Brad White,” Fuqua said. “Being able to learn from two of the best defensive coaches in the game is a tremendous opportunity and something I could not pass up. This is also a great move for my family because we get to return to our home state and be a part of the Big Blue Nation.”

Kentucky’s defense is losing its two best defensive players, Maxwell Hairston and Deone Walker, to the NFL Draft this offseason. As usual, the Wildcats’ defense was stellar this past season, only allowing 345.5 yards per game, the 44th-least in the country.

Nonetheless, the Wildcats posted a 4-8 record, their worst since Mark Stoops’ debut campaign at the helm. Fuqua won’t be the only fresh face around the program next season. UK has added seven defensive players via the NCAA Transfer Portal this offseason.

The group is highlighted by defensive lineman David Gusta and EDGE Miquise Grace. Fuqua won’t have a shortage of defensive pieces to work with this offseason at Kentucky.