The Kentucky Wildcats have officially promoted Matt House to defensive coordinator, the school announced Monday.
Head coach Mark Stoops said House will serve in this role while continuing to serve as the inside linebackers coach. He was the team’s inside linebackers coach and special teams coordinator in 2016, his first season at UK.
“I’m very excited to name Matt our defensive coordinator,” Stoops said. “He brings a wealth of experience and great passion for the game. In just one year, Matt has made a very good impression as the special teams coordinator and as a defensive coach. As the special teams coordinator, I’ve seen Matt’s leadership in front of the entire team.”
Stoops also said he plans to hire a special teams coordinator/outside linebackers coach to fill the vacancy on the staff.
“I appreciate the opportunity Coach Stoops is giving me,” House said. “I’m excited to continue building the vision he has for the program and I’m excited to continue to grow and improve as a defensive unit.”
This is House’s third stint as a defensive coordinator. Prior to coming to UK, he spent two seasons as the defensive coordinator at Pittsburgh and one at Florida International.
House spent three years at Pitt before heading to FIU, coaching the secondary his first season in 2012 before being promoted to defensive coordinator/linebackers coach for two seasons.
Under House, Pittsburgh defensive tackle Aaron Donald was drafted 13th overall by the Rams in the 2014 NFL Draft and eventually was selected for the Pro Bowl. In 2013, House helped Pitt rank 34th nationally in total defense, allowing 367.5 yards of total offense per game.
Before that, House spent four seasons in the NFL. He served as a defensive quality control coach and assistant linebackers coach for the St. Louis Rams from 2009 to 2011 after a stop with the Carolina Panthers in 2008 as a special teams assistant and strength and conditioning assistant.
House started his coaching career in 2001 as a graduate assistant at Michigan State with the team’s secondary and special teams. Following his time with MSU, House spent two seasons as a defensive assistant at North Carolina. In 2005, House was the defensive line coach at Gardner-Webb.