Kentucky Football Adds Veteran Greg Frey as Assistant Offensive Line Coach to Bolster Trenches Ahead of 2025 SEC Campaign
In a strategic move to fortify its offensive front, Kentucky football head coach Mark Stoops has hired veteran coach Greg Frey as the Wildcats’ new assistant offensive line coach. The announcement, made official by the program Monday, comes as Kentucky gears up for what it hopes will be a breakthrough season in the increasingly competitive SEC.
Frey brings with him more than two decades of collegiate coaching experience, having developed and mentored offensive linemen at several Power Five programs. Known for his technical acumen, player development skills, and relentless approach to run-game coordination, Frey is expected to play a critical supporting role alongside offensive line coach Zach Yenser in shaping the Wildcats’ physical identity in the trenches.
A Well-Traveled Resume with Proven Success
Greg Frey is no stranger to the pressures of major college football. He’s previously held key roles at Michigan, Florida State, Indiana, West Virginia, and most recently at South Florida. In each of those stops, Frey earned praise for his ability to groom linemen capable of playing at the next level while installing physical, run-first schemes.
At Michigan in 2017, he worked as the run game coordinator and tackles/tight ends coach under Jim Harbaugh. His influence contributed to an offensive resurgence that season, helping the Wolverines average over 170 rushing yards per game in the Big Ten.
Before that, Frey was Indiana’s offensive line coach from 2011–2016, where he helped construct one of the Big Ten’s most balanced and potent offenses under then-head coach Kevin Wilson. Indiana allowed the fewest sacks in the league for several of those seasons while producing multiple 1,000-yard rushers.
Perhaps most notably, during his stint at Florida State under Willie Taggart in 2018, Frey recruited and developed several key offensive line contributors despite the program’s struggles overall. His familiarity with the ACC and SEC recruiting landscapes gives Kentucky another edge on the trail.
Stoops’ Vision: “Building Inside-Out”
Mark Stoops has made it no secret that he believes championship-caliber SEC football starts up front.
“We have to be great on both sides of the line of scrimmage if we want to compete at the highest level,” Stoops said during spring practice. “That’s been a cornerstone of what we’re building here.”
The hire of Frey signals Kentucky’s intent to double down on its offensive line investment. Although the Wildcats have struggled with inconsistency in pass protection and run blocking at times over the past two seasons, there’s optimism that a fresh voice in Frey will help foster cohesion and execution.
Stoops praised Frey’s adaptability and football IQ in a brief statement:
“Greg brings an incredible amount of experience to our staff. He’s a technician, a motivator, and someone who understands what it takes to win in this league. We’re excited to welcome him to the Big Blue Nation.”
Why the Hire Matters in 2025
Kentucky enters the 2025 season with lofty expectations and a new-look offense that aims to be more balanced and explosive under coordinator Bush Hamdan. With a talented group of skill players and an experienced quarterback in place, the biggest question remains: can the offensive line hold up against elite SEC defenses?
That’s where Frey’s role becomes pivotal.
Although Zach Yenser remains the lead offensive line coach, Frey is expected to focus on developing the younger linemen and ensuring technical consistency across the second unit. The goal is to build depth, reduce penalties, and solidify protection packages that were too often inconsistent in 2024.
Insiders close to the program say Frey will be heavily involved in the tackle development, particularly helping sophomore left tackle Mason Wade take the next step as a cornerstone of the offensive line. Additionally, Frey’s strength in communicating fundamentals could be critical for Kentucky’s redshirt freshmen and incoming 2025 recruits.
Player Development Meets Recruiting
Frey’s influence is also expected to show up in recruiting. Kentucky has been in heated battles with programs like Tennessee, South Carolina, and Missouri for elite offensive linemen in the 2026 class. With Frey on staff, the Wildcats now have another proven recruiter with strong ties across the South and Midwest.
“He has recruited at the highest levels, and his relationships with high school coaches are top-tier,” said a former colleague of Frey’s at Florida State. “He’ll absolutely help Kentucky land guys they couldn’t get before.”
Several 2026 prospects have already taken notice. Four-star offensive tackle DeAndre Whitmore from Georgia recently posted a photo with Frey during an unofficial visit, calling him “a great dude who knows how to develop linemen.”
Inside the Locker Room: Reaction from Players
Current Wildcats linemen responded positively to the hiring news.
“Coach Frey brings a ton of energy and knowledge,” said center Jager Burton. “We’re hungry to get better, and having another voice like his is only going to help us compete every day.”
Others cited Frey’s attention to detail and positive coaching demeanor. Offensive tackle Malachi Wood noted that Frey “breaks down the smallest things you don’t realize matter — hand placement, leverage, angles. He’s a teacher.”
That teacher’s mentality could help unite a group that often rotated personnel due to injury or inconsistency in 2024. With Frey in the fold, Kentucky hopes to find not just talent, but sustained chemistry and reliability.
The Bigger Picture: Competing in a Brutal SEC
As the SEC prepares to expand with Texas and Oklahoma entering full-time league play in 2025, the margin for error in the trenches is shrinking. Programs like Georgia, Alabama, and LSU routinely field NFL-caliber defensive fronts. To survive that weekly gauntlet, Kentucky must be elite at both identifying and developing offensive linemen.
Frey’s resume suggests he can help bridge that gap.
“He’s been in the battles before,” said longtime SEC analyst Cole Cubelic. “He understands what it takes to block a Georgia or an LSU front, and he knows how to develop players who aren’t five-stars into all-conference linemen. That’s what Kentucky needs.”
A Strategic Investment with Long-Term Vision
The decision to bring on a second offensive line coach underscores Kentucky’s growing commitment to football infrastructure under athletic director Mitch Barnhart. The Wildcats have invested in facilities, staff, and recruiting support in recent years — and the Frey hire fits that mold.
While he may not be a flashy addition to casual fans, insiders view Frey’s presence as a game-changer for a program trying to elevate from perennial bowl eligibility to consistent top-15 contention.
“This move is about depth, development, and alignment,” one SEC personnel source said. “If you want to win nine or ten games a year in this league, your offensive line has to be at that level. Greg Frey helps get you there.”
What’s Next for Frey and Kentucky
Frey is already on the road recruiting and is expected to work closely with Yenser during preseason camp to evaluate line combinations, install protections, and build synergy with the offensive skill players.
Kentucky opens the 2025 season against Illinois in a primetime, non-conference showdown. That game will offer an immediate test for the offensive line’s cohesion — and by extension, Frey’s early influence.
If the Wildcats can protect the quarterback and open running lanes, fans may look back at Frey’s hiring as one of the offseason’s most important chess moves.
Greg Frey’s arrival at Kentucky may not grab national headlines, but inside football circles, it’s being recognized as a strategic and high-upside move. His mix of experience, teaching ability, and recruiting chops aligns perfectly with Mark Stoops’ vision for building a rugged, resilient program capable of thriving in the toughest conference in college football.
For the Big Blue Nation, the hope is clear: with Frey’s help, Kentucky’s offensive line can become not just solid, but a true strength — and perhaps the key to a special season in Lexington.
