Kentucky Football Promotes Derek Shay to Tight Ends Coach Following Vince Marrow’s Departure
In a swift move to maintain continuity within the Kentucky football program, head coach Mark Stoops has elevated Derek Shay to the role of tight ends coach, stepping into the position recently vacated by longtime assistant Vince Marrow. Shay, who has been with the Wildcats since early 2024 in a senior offensive analyst role, is now officially joining the on-field coaching staff.
The decision comes just a day after Marrow’s surprising exit to join archrival Louisville’s football program, where he will serve as the executive director of player personnel and recruiting. Marrow had been a staple of Stoops’ staff for over a decade, handling tight ends and contributing significantly to Kentucky’s recruiting efforts. His move marks a major shift in the Bluegrass State’s college football rivalry, but Stoops wasted no time solidifying his staff in response.
Rather than conducting a national search, Stoops opted to promote from within, demonstrating trust in Shay’s abilities and experience. Shay’s promotion reflects both his impressive résumé and his familiarity with the inner workings of the program.
Shay’s Background in Coaching
Derek Shay brings with him an extensive background in coaching across various levels of football. Before joining Kentucky’s support staff in March 2024, he was the tight ends coach at Marshall University for the 2023–24 season. His résumé includes experience at several respected programs. He served as a senior offensive analyst at Missouri (2022–23) and spent two years as a graduate assistant at LSU (2020–22), where he also worked with the tight ends. Prior to that, he coached at McNeese State (2019–20), IMG Academy (2017–19), and Warren Central High School in Indiana (2015–17). Shay’s first coaching job came as a student assistant at Eastern Illinois, where he focused on tight ends and the offensive line from 2011 to 2013.
This broad coaching journey has helped Shay gain insights from a variety of football environments—ranging from high school to powerhouse SEC programs. His adaptability and versatility have clearly made an impression on Stoops and the Kentucky staff.
Academic and Playing History
Hailing from Illinois, Shay began his collegiate playing career at Western Illinois, lining up on the offensive line. He would later transfer to Eastern Illinois, where he completed his undergraduate degree in 2013. He furthered his education by earning a master’s degree from LSU in 2021. His playing experience on the offensive line gives him valuable insight into blocking schemes and tight end responsibilities, further reinforcing his qualifications for the new role.
Stoops’ Thoughts on the Promotion
In a statement released shortly after Shay’s promotion was announced, head coach Mark Stoops expressed confidence in the move. “We are fortunate to have someone already on our staff who has coached tight ends at a high level and led those rooms successfully,” Stoops said. He highlighted Shay’s familiarity with the offensive system, overseen by new offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan, as a key reason for the seamless transition. “His versatility, football IQ, and on-field toughness will be a valuable addition to our offense,” Stoops added.
The decision to hire from within not only ensures continuity but also rewards a coach who has quickly established trust and respect within the program. Shay’s knowledge of Hamdan’s system, built during the last few months of collaboration, means he won’t require much of an adjustment period.
Shay’s Reaction to the New Role
Shay himself expressed both gratitude and excitement upon receiving the promotion. “I’m very excited for the opportunity that Coach Stoops and Coach Hamdan have given me,” he said. “There is a good mix of experience and young talent in the tight end room, and I’m looking forward to coaching them.” He also noted the pride he feels in being part of the Big Blue Nation, adding that he is eager to represent the Kentucky fanbase in his new role.
Player and Coach Endorsements
Support for Shay’s elevation to the role of tight ends coach has been strong from both current players and former colleagues. Kentucky senior tight end Josh Kattus praised the move, saying, “We get to see every day how Coach Shay operates and the intensity he brings. We are excited to have him leading our room. He knows our system inside and out, and he’s incredibly passionate about the game and coaching. Adding him to our room is a seamless transition.”
Kattus’s endorsement highlights how well-respected Shay is among the players, particularly those he will be directly working with. His knowledge of the playbook and his passion for the game are key assets that will likely aid in a smooth handover following Marrow’s departure.
Former LSU head coach Ed Orgeron also voiced strong support for Shay. “Derek is a very knowledgeable coach with an outstanding work ethic,” Orgeron remarked. “Our players and coaches at LSU loved him—not just as a coach, but as a man. He’s an outstanding recruiter with tireless energy and a passion for developing young talent.” Orgeron also emphasized Shay’s integrity and family values, saying, “He’s a great family man who brings character and integrity to everything he does. The University of Kentucky is getting a great one. He’s a great hire.”
A Pivotal Transition
Shay’s promotion comes at a pivotal time for the Kentucky football program. The sudden departure of a figure as central as Marrow could have disrupted the momentum of the offseason. However, by acting quickly and choosing someone already embedded in the team’s culture and strategy, Stoops has signaled his intent to keep the Wildcats focused and stable heading into the new season.
It’s also worth noting that Shay’s advancement represents the continued trend of Kentucky investing in younger coaching talent with deep ties to the collegiate football system. His combination of grassroots coaching experience, analytical acumen, and offensive insight make him a strong candidate to elevate the tight end group to new heights.
While the rivalry between Kentucky and Louisville gains new fuel with Marrow’s switch, the Wildcats are positioning themselves to stay competitive. With Shay now in a key coaching position, the tight end unit has a leader with both the technical skills and motivational drive to carry on—and build upon—the foundation laid by his predecessor.
Final Thoughts
The hire of Derek Shay as Kentucky’s new tight ends coach underscores the program’s commitment to stability and internal growth. Backed by a diverse coaching résumé, a strong work ethic, and endorsements from respected figures in college football, Shay steps into this role with confidence and plenty of support. His promotion may be just what Kentucky needs to keep momentum as they nav
igate a new chapter in their football journey.
