The University of Kentucky has made a significant addition to its football program with the hiring of Daikiel Shorts Jr. as the wide receivers coach. Head coach Mark Stoops expressed his excitement, stating that Shorts is a young and talented coach who will be a great mentor to their players. Stoops also praised Shorts’ energy, personable nature, and relatability. The addition of Shorts is expected to bring a fresh perspective and help continue the program’s success.
Shorts, who is 29 years old, joins the Wildcats after spending three seasons as the wide receivers coach for the Houston Cougars under Dana Holgorsen. He also served as the Director of Player Development for the Cougars for two years. Shorts expressed his excitement about joining the Big Blue Nation and the opportunity to work under Stoops and offensive coordinator Liam Coen. He acknowledged their accomplishments at Kentucky and in the Southeastern Conference and expressed his desire to contribute to their continued success.
Shorts had an impressive start to his coaching career, leading Tank Dell to first-team American Athletic Conference honors in his first season as a collegiate coach in 2021. Dell achieved top-15 national rankings in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. In the same season, Houston ranked 23rd nationally in passing offense. In 2022, Shorts coached Dell to another outstanding season, with Dell earning second-team All-American honors and first-team all-conference selection for the second consecutive year. Dell led the nation in receiving yards, receiving touchdowns, and receptions during his two seasons under Shorts. He was subsequently drafted by the Houston Texans in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Shorts’ coaching also had a positive impact on true freshman Matthew Golden, who set Houston’s true freshman record with seven receiving touchdowns in 2022. He finished tied for first nationally among true freshmen in receiving scores of 20-plus yards and second in total receiving touchdowns. In 2023, Shorts’ coaching helped Houston’s youthful wide receivers make an immediate impact in their first season in the Big 12.
Before his coaching career, Shorts was a standout receiver at West Virginia University under Holgorsen from 2013 to 2016. He led the Mountaineers in receiving for three of his four years, earning second-team All-Big 12 honors and the Iron Mountaineer Award in his senior year. Shorts closed his collegiate career ranked fifth on the WVU career chart for receptions and sixth for receiving yards.
Shorts, who hails from Clayton, New Jersey, graduated from West Virginia in 2016 with a degree in multidisciplinary studies. He brings a wealth of playing experience and a strong academic background to the coaching position. With his addition to the coaching staff, the University of Kentucky is poised to further develop their wide receivers and continue their success in the football program.
