LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — The University of Kentucky football program is making some changes following the conclusion of the regular season. LEX 18 News has confirmed now-former offensive coordinator Eddie Gran and co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Darin Hinshaw have both been relieved of their duties with the program.
The program confirmed the news with a series of press releases Sunday afternoon. Both Gran and Hinshaw joined the UK program in 2016.
“Eddie and I pondered about this for weeks and mutually agreed that this was the way to move forward,” Head Coach Mark Stoops said in a statement. “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.”
"I greatly appreciate Darin’s hard work and commitment to our program and contributions to the success we’ve had,” Stoops said in a separate release.
Both coordinators released statements following UK's official announcement.
“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. “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.”
“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.”
Stoops said the search for new coaches 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.
Replacements have not been named at this time. This story may be updated as it develops.
