Former Murray State football coach Hood rejoining UK staff

University of Kentucky head football coach Mark Stoops announced Wednesday the hiring of Dean Hood to serve as the Wildcats’ director of player development. 

Hood returns to UK after serving the last four seasons as the head football coach at Murray State University.

Hood, who spent three seasons on Stoops’ staff as the special teams coordinator while also coaching outside linebackers (2017) and defensive backs (2018-19), announced his retirement from coaching Monday, completing a coaching career that spanned 37 years.

In his new role, Hood will help prepare student-athletes for personal, academic and athletic development success through UK’s “40 for 40” program and he will work alongside special assistant to the head coach Eddie Gran with NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) and player branding as well as community service opportunities.