The Big Blue family took a couple of hits on Thursday. Early Thursday morning the UK Football program announced offensive line coach John Schlarman had lost his two year battle with cancer. The former Wildcats and assistant coach of more than seasons meant as much to the Kentucky Football family as anyone who has ever walked through those halls.

Close friend and head coach Mark Stoops had the following comments.

“I’m heartbroken to learn about the passing of my friend, John Schlarman,” said UK head coach Mark Stoops. “My prayers go out to LeeAnne and the kids, Joseph, Benjamin, Matthew and Evelyn, through this very difficult time.

Since his diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma in 2018, Schlarman has shown nothing but how much of an absolute warrior he is. He’s inspired the entire program and taught so many life lessons.

On the production side of the field, Schlarman’s offensive line units have been second to none over the years. He’s coached Bunchy Stallings and Logan Stenberg to be All-Americans. He’s coached Drake Jackson, Landon Young and Jon Toth to All-SEC honors. But most importantly, he’s coached several Kentucky Wildcats to becoming quality men. Because that’s what John Schlarman was all about: character.

May he rest in peace.

Later on Thursday evening, UK Athletics abruptly announced that Matthew Mitchell has retired from his position of Women’s Basketball Head Coach.

Mitchell will hang it up after posting more than 300 wins, the most in Kentucky Women’s Basketball history.

You can find statements from Mitchell and AD Mitch Barnhart here.

Barnhart has named Kyra Elzy as the interim head coach for this season. It’ll be her first after serving as an assistant at both Kentucky as well as Tennessee.

May our thoughts, our prayers and most importantly our hearts be with both the Schlarman and Mitchell families.

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