Mark Stoops opens up on Eric Wolford's return: 'That separation was difficult'

Eric Wolford was officially announced as Kentucky‘s next offensive line coach on Monday. He returns to the program after spending two years at Alabama.

Wildcats head coach Mark Stoops revealed the emotions behind Wolford’s return after his abrupt departure two seasons ago, and what it means to have him back on his staff.

“Very excited to have Eric back,” Stoops said during an interview with BBN Tonight host Maggie Davis, via KSR. “I think the last time when he left — any time when someone leaves your program there’s always a bit of a hurt or regret, whatever you want to call it, especially when somebody is only there a short period of time. 

“I learned things since Eric’s left about that transition. There’s things I could’ve done better. There’s things he could’ve done better. I think both of us understand that. The big thing is in our business, there’s no room for being sensitive. You gotta have thick skin, you can’t be sensitive, you have to do what’s right at all times. Ultimately, you have to make tough decisions sometimes and I think that separation was difficult on some people, including me.”

After taking over for the late John Schlarman in 2020, Wolford’s single season leading Kentucky’s front five, UK’s offense ranked No. 5 in success rate, No. 15 in points per drive, and No. 21 in yards per play. Wolford coached Luke Fortner and Darian Kinnard, who both ended up being NFL Draft picks.

After spending one season under Stoops, Wolford accepted a job as Alabama’s offensive line coach — a situation riddled with controversy at the time. Wolford was on a recruiting trip to Tuscaloosa and was inference a job for Nick Saban that he couldn’t refuse.

Wolford spent the past two seasons there, working with offensive coordinators Bill O’Brien and Tommy Rees. In 2023, Alabama’s offensive line struggled at times in the 2023 campaign, particularly the team often failed to protect quarterback Jalen Milroe. Alabama allowed 49 sacks this season, ranking No. 122 in the country.

Now, he returns to Lexington with College Football Playoff experience under his belt. Just as Stoops was when offensive coordinator Liam Coen came back after one season away, he is all-in on his new offensive line coach in his second stint at Kentucky.

“The bottom line is he’s one heck of a football coach, I know what he can do, I know how he can help this program, and ultimately that’s very important,” Stoops continued. “… “We felt like Eric was the type of guy, the type of fit that can help us. Again, I think he strikes that balance of being extremely supportive, developing young men, caring about them deeply, and investing in them deeply with his time. He’s very passionate about what he does.”

Kentucky kicks off its 2024 college football season on Aug. 31 inside Kroger Field against Southern Miss.