Former UK S&C coach Brady Welsh heads to Vanderbilt

Remember Brady Welsh? The head men’s basketball strength and conditioning coach made the move from Purdue to Kentucky in 2022 and kept the role until John Calipari’s departure last offseason. When Coach Cal went to Arkansas, Welsh became Reed Sheppard’s personal trainer during his rookie season with the Houston Rockets.

Now, he’s returning to the SEC — and he’s not traveling far.

Welsh has been hired at Vanderbilt as the director of men’s basketball performance under head coach Mark Byington. There, he is set to lead ‘all aspects of strength and conditioning for the Commodores,’ the school announced Tuesday.

“Brady’s position is extremely important to the success of our basketball team and we are lucky to have one of the best in the country at Vanderbilt,” Byington said. “He has tremendous experience impacting successful athletes and maximizing their careers. Our players will love his enthusiasm and the energy he brings every day.”

He heads to Nashville following stints at Kentucky, Purdue, Illinois and Temple.

“I’m honored to join the Vanderbilt basketball program alongside Coach Byington and his staff and contribute to its tradition of excellence,” Welsh added. “My aim is to elevate our performance through comprehensive, evidence-based decision making. Our program’s goal is to foster resiliency, discipline and success through togetherness, hard work and consistency.”

Welsh was at Purdue from 2021-22 following two seasons at Temple as the director of basketball sports performance. Before that, he worked for two years at IMG Academy and started his career as an assistant strength and conditioning coach at Illinois.

His experience includes time spent with NBA players such as Luke Kornet, Oscar Tshiebwe, Zach Edey, Anfernee Simmons, Jaden Ivey, Meyers Leonard, Terrance Shannon, Josh Green, Rob Dillingham and Jarrett Allen, among others.

Kentucky and Vanderbilt split the season series in 2024-25, starting with a 74-69 loss for the Wildcats in Nashville on Jan. 25, followed by an 82-61 blowout victory for the blue and white inside Rupp Arena on Feb. 19.

Another familiar face roaming the opposing SEC sidelines in 2025-26.