Mark Stoops once again has a full staff in Lexington.

It’s been a busy offseason for Kentucky as five coaching changes have occurred since the end of the football season, including two turnovers at running back position but the staff is now complete again following the hire of Chris Collins as the new defensive backs coach in Lexington.

Collins previously served as safeties coach and recruiting coordinator at Georgia State.

Following the official hire of Collins, Stoops shared this comment:

“Going through the hiring process for this job I talked to several candidates but each time I talked to Chris I came away more and more impressed with him,” Stoops said “He brings great energy and enthusiasm to the staff on the field and as a recruiter. We are very excited to have him on board.”

Collins also shared a comment:

“My family and I are extremely blessed and excited to be a part of the Kentucky football family,” Collins said. “On top of Kentucky being an elite level program known for developing talent, this interview process has shown me a tremendous amount about Coach Stoops, Coach (Brad) White and the rest of the staff. When they say family first, they really mean it. During this interview process my wife and I were having our first child. Coach Stoops readjusted his schedule to accommodate my time with my wife and son. That showed me everything that I needed to know about the men I would be working with.

“Coach Stoops’ knowledge is second to none when it comes to defensive backs. I’m excited to learn and work with him, Coach White and the rest of the staff to continue to elevate this defense.”

Mark Stoops’ 2021 Kentucky coaching staff

  • Liam Cohen – Offensive coordinator/Quarterbacks (first-year)
  • Brad White – Defensive coordinator/Outside linebackers
  • John Settle – Running backs (first-year)
  • Vince Marrow — Tight ends/Recruiting coordinator/Associate HC
  • Eric Wolford – Offensive line (first-year)
  • Chris Collins – Defensive backs (first-year)
  • Frank Buffano – Safeties
  • Jovon Bouknight – Receivers
  • Jon Sumrall – Inside linebackers
  • Anwar Stewart – Defensive line