The Wildcats officially have a new receivers coach.

Kentucky announced the addition of Michael Smith to Mark Stoops’ coaching staff Friday. The SEC veteran spent the previous five seasons in Fayetteville serving as Bret Bielema’s receivers coach at Arkansas. Smith and Stoops shared time on the Arizona coaching staff in 2007 and 2008.

Mark Stoops provided his thoughts on his newest hire via an official statement from Kentucky:

“I’m very excited to have Michael join our staff. I’ve known him since his outstanding playing career at Kansas State. What a super competitor he was in college and he brings that same competitive nature to coaching and recruiting. I’m excited to have him continue to develop our wide receivers and take them to another level.”

In the same release, Smith offered up these comments:

“We are truly excited about the opportunity to be a part of Big Blue Nation and Kentucky Football. Coach Stoops and his staff have done and continue to do great things here. My goal is to continue developing this group of wide receivers, helping them accomplish all of their individual goals and the goals of the team. My family and I are so appreciative of Mark and Chantel and we look forward to a great career in Lexington.”

Smith replaces Lamar Thomas from last year’s coaching staff. Thomas did not have his contract renewed by the school.