Mark Stoops, Eddie Gran and Darin Hinshaw release statements

The Kentucky Wildcats will have a new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in 2021, as Eddie Gran and Darin Hinshaw were both let go by the school on Sunday.

Shortly after the news broke, head coach Mark Stoops released a statement on the departures. While it was clear drastic changes needed to be made on offense, both coaches gave a lot to this program and helped the Wildcats rise up the SEC hierarchy.

“Eddie and I pondered about this for weeks and mutually agreed that this was the way to move forward,” Stoops said in a press release. “I appreciate Eddie for the true professional and friend that he is. I also want to recognize the success we had, going to a bowl game every year since his arrival, with a reflection of our shared vision to do what was necessary to win games.”

Over the last five seasons, UK has compiled a 36-26 record, advancing to the TaxSlayer Bowl, Music City Bowl, Citrus Bowl and Belk Bowl while winning the latter two.

“I want to thank President Eli Capilouto, Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart and, of course, Coach Stoops for the opportunity to be at Kentucky,” Gran said in a press release. “Coach Stoops has always treated me like family and our professional relationship is awesome.

“I appreciate the hard work and loyalty of the coaches who have coached with me. I appreciate the support of the Big Blue Nation for five awesome years. And, thanks to the players for believing in me in good and bad times, I love you all and wish you nothing but the best.”

Stoops said the search for a new offensive coordinator would begin immediately.

“We’ll look to bring in new ideas and opportunities for an offense that is exciting for players and fans,” Stoops said.

Hinshaw, who also served as co-offensive coordinator in addition to quarterbacks coach for Kentucky since 2016, came to Lexington along with Gran from the University of Cincinnati in 2016.

“I greatly appreciate Darin’s hard work and commitment to our program and contributions to the success we’ve had,” Stoops said.

During Hinshaw’s tenure, he helped develop Stephen Johnson and Terry Wilson into quality starters who finished their careers with winning records as starters for the Cats.

“I thank Dr. Capilouto and Mitch Barnhart for the opportunity to coach at UK,” Hinshaw said. “Mark Stoops is an unbelievable head coach, friend, and someone I look up to. It was an honor to be on his staff and coach the quarterbacks the last five years. I want to thank Eddie Gran, being with him the last eight years and going to eight straight bowl games.

“Lastly, I want to thank all the players I’ve coached at UK, I love you all and will never forget the great victories and history we made at Kentucky.”