Kentucky Wildcats Hire Nate Fuqua as Defensive Analyst
Kentucky football head coach Mark Stoops has officially confirmed the hiring of Nate Fuqua, a native of Danville, Kentucky, as a defensive analyst. Fuqua returns to his home state with over 20 years of coaching experience, including stints as a defensive coordinator at Cincinnati, Georgia State, and Wofford. In his new position, he will focus mainly on the Wildcats’ outside linebackers.
“We’re thrilled to have Nate Fuqua join our staff,” Stoops commented. “He brings a wealth of experience, having been a defensive coach for more than two decades, including the last 11 as a defensive coordinator. He’s also a Kentucky native, familiar with this program after growing up in Danville. We’re excited to have him in our defensive room.”
Extensive Coaching Experience
Fuqua (pronounced FEW-quay) joins Kentucky following two seasons as Cincinnati’s co-defensive coordinator. In 2023, he coached the outside linebackers, and in 2024, he worked with the STARS safety position. One of his notable players was freshman safety Jiquan Sanks, who made 42 tackles and became the first freshman to start Cincinnati’s season opener since 2015.
Before his time with the Bearcats, Fuqua served as Georgia State’s defensive coordinator and outside linebackers coach from 2017 to 2022. His influence was evident as 24 players earned all-conference honors and five Panthers signed professional contracts. His defenses ranked second in the Sun Belt for rushing defense in 2020 and 2021. His top outside linebacker, Jordan Strachan, tied for first in the FBS with a school-record 10.5 sacks. Georgia State’s defense also ranked 11th nationally in 2022 with 25 forced turnovers.
Fuqua’s success at Georgia State also included four bowl appearances and three victories (2017, 2020, and 2021), cementing his reputation as a defensive strategist.
Returning Home to Kentucky
Fuqua’s return to Kentucky represents a full-circle moment for the Danville native. Before beginning his collegiate coaching career, he spent 12 years (2005-16) at Wofford, his alma mater, progressing from position coach to defensive coordinator. Under his leadership, Wofford’s defense ranked fifth nationally in total defense and sixth in scoring defense in 2016, with the team advancing to the FCS quarterfinals and allowing just 17.1 points per game.
As a player, Fuqua was a four-year starter at nose tackle for Wofford, earning All-Southern Conference honors four times and All-American recognition twice. His name is etched in the school’s record books for career tackles for loss and sacks. In 2008, Fuqua was inducted into the Wofford College Athletic Hall of Fame.
Fuqua also made a significant impact on Kentucky high school football, earning First Team All-State honors as a nose tackle and offensive guard at Danville High School. He was named Area Lineman of the Year and selected for the Kentucky-Tennessee All-Star game, being inducted into the Danville High School Hall of Fame in 2007.
Looking Forward at Kentucky
Now 44, Fuqua is eager to join Kentucky’s defensive coaching team alongside Stoops and defensive coordinator Brad White.
“I’m really excited about the opportunity to work with Coach Stoops and Coach Brad White,” Fuqua said. “Being able to learn from two of the best defensive coaches in the business is a fantastic opportunity that I couldn’t pass up. This is also a great move for my family, as we get to return home to Kentucky and be part of the Big Blue Nation.”
With Fuqua’s extensive coaching experience and strong ties to Kentucky football, the Wildcats have added a seasoned defensive strategist who understands the program’s culture. His ability to develop talent, enhance defensive schemes, and mentor players will be invaluable as Kentucky aims for continued success in the SEC.
