Kentucky has promoted defensive backs coach Derrick Ansley to co-defensive coordinator, the team announced Monday.

“Derrick has done a great job,” Kentucky coach Mike Stoops said in a press release. “Just like you see someone on offense being named passing game coordinator, Derrick handles a lot on that side of the ball. This is to reward him for the work that he has done and to continue to give him more responsibility. He has earned that.”

Ansley was a part of the coaching staff in 2014 that saw Kentucky’s defense rank second in the SEC in turnover margin in recording 23 turnovers. That mark included a school-record six defensive touchdowns.

At the end of the 2015 season, Ansley worked with three freshman in the starting secondary. That includes freshman Chris Westry, who made first-team All-SEC Freshman team and third-team Freshman All-America honors.

Kentucky’s pass offense has steadily improved. It was a natural progression to promote Ansley.

Stoops also made it clear, the promotion was partly done to make sure Ansley stayed in Lexington because there was competition for the young cornerback coach.

“It was important because Derrick is a guy that was heavily pursued every year I’ve been here,” Stoops said. “I don’t want to get into specifics (but) we won a battle keeping him here, let’s put it that way. I had SEC coaches calling me. I had SEC coaches flying in and going to his house. And we got him to stay. I appreciate that.”

The promotion does not change many responsibilities on gameday. Defensive coordinator D.J. Eliot will continue to oversee the defense and call plays.