Lexington, Kentucky, December 31, 2025
The University of Kentucky has appointed Kolby Smith as the new running backs coach for the Wildcats football team. Smith brings over a decade of coaching experience from both the collegiate and professional levels, including his recent work at the University of Arkansas and the Miami Dolphins. His hiring is seen as a significant step towards enhancing the football program as the Wildcats seek to strengthen their recruiting efforts and performance on the field.
University of Kentucky Football Welcomes New Running Backs Coach Kolby Smith
Former NFL player brings extensive coaching experience to Wildcats
Lexington, Kentucky – The University of Kentucky has recently appointed Kolby Smith as the new running backs coach for the Wildcats football team. This pivotal announcement, made by head coach Will Stein on December 30, 2025, marks a significant step in enhancing the Wildcats’ football program. Smith’s hiring is currently pending the successful completion of the University’s pre-employment screenings and other due diligence processes.
Smith’s appointment comes at a time when local colleges have recommitted to strengthening their recruiting efforts and performance, aligning with the broader trend of resilience and growth in sports programs across the nation. With a focus on building strong teams, the University of Kentucky could see a renewed vigor on the field, reflecting the determination often found among local entrepreneurs and businesses seeking success in a competitive landscape.
Coaching Experience
Kolby Smith brings over a decade of coaching expertise to the Wildcats, having had a vibrant career both at the collegiate and professional levels. Most recently, Smith served as the running backs coach at the University of Arkansas for two seasons. Under his mentorship in 2025, senior running back Mike Washington Jr. achieved All-SEC Second Team honors, rushing for 1,070 yards and eight touchdowns. Washington’s stellar performance included ranking fourth in the SEC in rushing yards and second in yards per carry, with an impressive average of 6.41 yards per attempt.
During Smith’s tenure at Arkansas, the team exhibited a commendable offensive output, ranking 10th nationally in total offense in 2024 with an average of 459.5 yards per game. The offensive success was underscored by a remarkable feat, just one rushing touchdown shy of tying the school record with 34 total scores. Smith’s development strategies were pivotal as running back Ja’Quinden Jackson led the team with 15 rushing touchdowns, the highest by an Arkansas running back since 2015.
Prior to his impactful season at Arkansas, Smith was part of the Miami Dolphins’ coaching staff for four years, beginning as a quality control coach and eventually rising to an offensive assistant role in 2022. His influence during this period helped the Dolphins’ offense set a franchise record with 6,899 total yards in 2023, showcasing the ability to optimize player performance and foster a productive team environment.
Previous Coaching Roles
Smith’s background features a variety of coaching positions, including notable tenures at Rutgers, Western Kentucky, and Louisville, where he coached running backs from 2014 to 2018. At Louisville, he played a key role in setting school records for team rushing yards in consecutive years (2016 and 2017). The Cardinals achieved a national ranking of 15th in rushing yards per game in 2017, a testament to Smith’s ability to train effective athletes and execute successful game strategies.
A Standout Playing Career
As a player, Kolby Smith was a standout running back at Louisville, playing from 2003 to 2006, where he rushed for 1,863 yards and 18 touchdowns. His performance earned him a spot in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft, where he was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs. Over the next three seasons, Smith further showcased his skills while also playing for the Denver Broncos and Jacksonville Jaguars, giving him invaluable insights into both the collegiate and professional football worlds.
Reuniting with Head Coach Will Stein
The connection between Kolby Smith and head coach Will Stein dates back to their combined time at Louisville, where Stein served as the offensive coordinator during Smith’s playing career. This pre-existing relationship is expected to foster a seamless integration of coaching methods and philosophies, allowing for a unified approach to optimizing player development and game performance.
Conclusion
With Kolby Smith’s extensive coaching experience and a proven record of developing successful running backs, he is poised to make a substantial impact on the University of Kentucky’s football program. His appointment signifies both a commitment to enhancing the football team’s competitiveness and a broader reflection of the entrepreneurial spirit fostering growth within Kentucky’s sports landscape. By investing in talented coaches, the community can look forward to an exciting chapter in Kentucky football, as local universities continue to thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Kolby Smith?
Kolby Smith is a former NFL running back and experienced coach, recently appointed as the running backs coach for the University of Kentucky’s football team. He has coached at various levels, including the NFL and college football, with notable tenures at Arkansas and the Miami Dolphins.
What is Kolby Smith’s coaching experience?
Smith has over a decade of coaching experience, including roles as running backs coach at Arkansas, offensive assistant with the Miami Dolphins, and running backs coach at Louisville, among others.
What was Kolby Smith’s playing career like?
As a player, Smith was a standout running back at Louisville from 2003 to 2006, rushing for 1,863 yards and scoring 18 touchdowns. He was selected in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs and also played for the Denver Broncos and Jacksonville Jaguars.
What is Kolby Smith’s connection with head coach Will Stein?
Smith and Stein have a longstanding professional relationship, having worked together at Louisville when Stein served as the offensive coordinator during Smith’s playing years.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Running Backs Coach at University of Kentucky |
| Coaching Experience | Over a decade, including roles at Arkansas, Miami Dolphins, and Louisville |
| Playing Career | Former NFL running back with Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos, and Jacksonville Jaguars |
| Connection with Head Coach | Worked with Will Stein at Louisville during Stein’s tenure as offensive coordinator |
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