Kentucky expected to hire former Louisville standout, Arkansas assistant as RB coach, per report
By Luke Greco
Published:
The Kentucky Wildcats are expected to hire former Louisville and NFL running back Kolby Smith as their new running backs coach, per CBS Sports. Smith has spent the past two years with Arkansas as its running backs coach.
Smith spent 4 seasons at Louisville before being drafted in the fifth round by the Kansas City Chiefs. In college, Smith totaled over 1,800 yards and 18 touchdowns. His best season came as a senior when he rushed for 862 yards and 7 touchdowns. He had over 1,000 yards from scrimmage that season and averaged 5.6 yards a carry.
Smith started his coaching career in 2012 as a graduate assistant for Arkansas. He then proceeded to join Western Kentucky, Louisville, and Rutgers, all as the running backs coach. He spent 3 years coaching with the Dolphins as an offensive quality control coach and an offensive assistant before he returned to Arkansas in 2024.
The Razorbacks had two running backs this past year who averaged over 5 yards per carry with at least 100 total carries. The Razorbacks as a team rushed for over 2,300 yards during the 2025-2026 college football season.
Will Stein has found his new coach for running backs, who have been a huge part of his offensive scheme with Oregon the past couple of seasons.
