University of Kentucky head football coach Mark Stoops has brought back Dean Hood as the Wildcats’ director of player development. Hood returns to UK after four seasons as the head football coach at Murray State University. Stoops expressed his excitement about Hood’s return, stating, “I grew a deep respect for him – not only as a coach on the field, but also for the way he guided and grew his players as young men.”
Hood will play a key role in helping student-athletes succeed in personal, academic, and athletic development through UK’s “40 for 40” program. He will also work alongside Eddie Gran, special assistant to the head coach, in areas such as NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) and player branding, as well as community service opportunities.
Hood expressed his enthusiasm about returning to the Big Blue Nation, saying, “Being in the coaching profession we have lived in a lot of places, but when our kids are asked ‘where are you from’ they say ‘Lexington’ — it definitely feels like home to our family.” He also mentioned his passion for player development and his readiness to build relationships with the players and help them in various areas of their lives.
Hood previously spent three seasons on Stoops’ staff at UK, where he helped coach special teams, outside linebackers, and defensive backs. During his time at UK, Hood played a role in Max Duffy winning the Ray Guy Award for the nation’s best punter in 2019 and coached in two bowl wins with the Wildcats.
Hood’s coaching career spans 37 years, including successful stints at Murray State, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), Wake Forest, and other schools. At EKU, he led the Colonels to two Ohio Valley Conference Championships and three FCS Playoff appearances. He was named the OVC Coach of the Year in 2008 and the AFCA Regional Coach of the Year in 2011. Hood also had a successful run at Wake Forest, where his defense forced 186 turnovers during his seven-year tenure.
In his new role at UK, Hood brings a wealth of experience and a passion for player development. He is excited to contribute to Coach Stoops’ program once again and help guide and grow the Wildcats’ student-athletes. With Hood’s expertise, UK’s football program is poised for continued success in the coming seasons.
