Lexington, Kentucky, January 3, 2026
The University of Kentucky football program has made significant strides by appointing Allen Brown as the cornerbacks coach and Tony Washington Jr. as the edges/outside linebackers coach. Head coach Will Stein announced these appointments, emphasizing the program’s commitment to improving team performance and competitiveness. Both coaches bring extensive experience to their roles, aiming to enhance the Wildcats’ defensive strategies and foster talent. These changes reflect a broader initiative to strengthen the coaching staff and elevate the university’s football program in the SEC.
Lexington, Kentucky – UK Football Enhances Coaching Staff with Two New Appointments
The University of Kentucky football program has enhanced its coaching capabilities with the recent appointments of Allen Brown as cornerbacks coach and Tony Washington Jr. as edges/outside linebackers coach. These announcements were made by head coach Will Stein, reflecting a commitment to improving the team’s performance and bolstering its competitive edge in college football.
As Kentucky thrives in its efforts to strengthen its football program, these new appointments are emblematic of the entrepreneurial spirit that drives success in sports. Investing in quality coaching not only showcases the dedication to excellence but also reflects a strategy that benefits the overall community, underlining the importance of building strong leadership and mentorship within sports teams.
Allen Brown’s Coaching Experience
Allen Brown brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having held five previous coaching positions that shaped many successful defensive backs. He notably helped develop nine all-conference defensive backs, with a record that includes two freshman All-Americans and two All-America honorees. In the 2025 season, Brown served as the defensive backs coach at California, where his leadership contributed to the Golden Bears ranking 16th nationally in fewest touchdown passes allowed, with only 14 touchdowns surrendered throughout the season.
Tony Washington Jr.’s Coaching Background
Joining the Wildcats is Tony Washington Jr., who boasts a strong coaching resume, most recently serving as the assistant defensive line coach at Ohio State. During his tenure, he played a crucial role in achieving national recognition for the Buckeyes’ defense, which ranked first or second in nine categories, including scoring defense and passing yards allowed. Washington’s experience also encompasses coaching roles at Nebraska and the University of Oregon, providing him with a robust platform to inspire and develop upcoming talent.
Recent Coaching Staff Additions at UK Football
The appointments of Brown and Washington come as part of a broader enhancement of the Kentucky football coaching staff. Earlier in August 2025, Jack Ray was appointed as assistant special teams coach, adding valuable experience from his past roles with several programs. Furthermore, former Kentucky standouts Yusuf Corker and Jervontius “Bunchy” Stallings have joined as graduate assistants, ensuring that the program continues to benefit from the insights and expertise of those who have played for the Wildcats.
About the University of Kentucky Football Program
The University of Kentucky football program represents the university in NCAA Division I competition and is a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). With a rich history and a commitment to excellence, the program continues to evolve and adapt, striving to achieve greater heights in collegiate football.
Implications for the Local Community
Investing in football coaching staff is not just about the sport; it has ripple effects throughout the Lexington community, promoting local engagement and support for the university’s athletic endeavors. This investment aligns with the broader themes of entrepreneurial innovation and community involvement that drive progress in Lexington, enabling residents to rally around their team and foster a spirit of resilience and success.
As the new coaching staff steps into their roles, fans and supporters are encouraged to stay engaged with the program, highlighting the significance of community support in achieving athletic success.
Conclusion
The University of Kentucky football program’s latest coaching appointments signify a dedicated approach to enhancing performance and competitiveness. By focusing on effective leadership and development, the program not only aims for athletic success but also strives to uplift the community that supports it. Lexington’s dedication to fostering talent through quality coaching can inspire local businesses and entrepreneurs, exemplifying the benefits of investing in people for mutual growth and success.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who are the new additions to the UK football coaching staff?
- Allen Brown has been appointed as cornerbacks coach, and Tony Washington Jr. as edges/outside linebackers coach.
- What is Allen Brown’s coaching experience?
- Allen Brown has coached at five previous positions, developing nine all-conference defensive backs, two freshman All-Americans, and two All-America honorees. He served as defensive backs coach at California in 2025 and cornerbacks coach at Washington State in 2024. Under his guidance, California’s defensive backs tied for 16th nationally in fewest touchdown passes allowed, surrendering just 14 over the season.
- What is Tony Washington Jr.’s coaching background?
- Tony Washington Jr. was assistant defensive line coach at Ohio State in 2025, contributing to the Buckeyes’ defense ranking first or second nationally in nine categories, including first in scoring defense (9.3 points per game), passing yards allowed (129.7), and red zone points allowed (67.0%). His coaching career also includes positions at Nebraska and Oregon.
- What other recent coaching staff additions has UK football made?
- In August 2025, Jack Ray joined as assistant special teams coach, bringing experience from Hawai’i, Washington State, Nevada, and Arkansas Pine Bluff. Former Kentucky standouts Yusuf Corker and Jervontius “Bunchy” Stallings also joined as graduate assistants, working with the defensive backs and defensive line, respectively.
- What is the University of Kentucky football program?
- The University of Kentucky football program represents the University of Kentucky in NCAA Division I football and competes in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The program has a rich history and continues to strive for excellence in collegiate football.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New Coaching Staff | Allen Brown as cornerbacks coach, Tony Washington Jr. as edges/outside linebackers coach |
| Allen Brown’s Previous Roles | Defensive backs coach at California (2025), cornerbacks coach at Washington State (2024) |
| Tony Washington Jr.’s Previous Role | Assistant defensive line coach at Ohio State (2025) |
| Other Recent Additions | Jack Ray as assistant special teams coach, Yusuf Corker and Jervontius “Bunchy” Stallings as graduate assistants |
| University of Kentucky Football Program | Represents the University of Kentucky in NCAA Division I football, competes in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Will Stein Secures $28.5 Million Contract as New Kentucky Football Coach
Kentucky Wildcats Secure Major Victory Against NC Central
Kentucky Wildcats Suffer Defeat Against Gonzaga Bulldogs
Pressure Mounts on Coach Mark Pope as Wildcats Suffer Heavy Losses
Will Stein Named Head Football Coach at University of Kentucky
University of Kentucky Fires Head Coach Mark Stoops
Mark Stoops Cleared of Wrongdoing Amid Financial Challenges
Assumption High School’s Cross Country Team Dominates Again
Kentucky Wildcats Fall to Texas Longhorns in Overtime
Kentucky Wildcats Suffer Heartbreaking Overtime Loss to Texas
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
