Kentucky Hires Jay Bateman as Defensive Coordinator

The veteran coach departs Texas A&M during the playoff run to join Will Stein’s first staff.

Overview

Will Stein announced the hire on Wednesday, naming Jay Bateman defensive coordinator at Kentucky.
The move arrives as Texas A&M, Bateman’s employer the past two seasons, enters the College Football Playoffs and hosts No. 10 Miami on Dec. 20.
Bateman’s 2025 unit helped the Aggies finish 11-1 with SEC Defensive Player of the Year Cashius Howell recording 11.5 sacks and 41 pressures, per Pro Football Focus.
In 2024, his defense ranked top 35 nationally in tackles for loss and scoring defense and finished top three in the SEC in interceptions and passes defended.
His track record includes player development at Florida, North Carolina and Army, plus three Texas A&M defensive linemen drafted in the first three rounds in 2025.