In need of a new defensive coordinator for the 2017 season, Kentucky has promoted inside linebackers coach and special teams coordinator Matt House to fill the role of defensive coordinator.
I've confirmed the @FootballScoop report. Matt House has been promoted to Kentucky's defensive coordinator.
— Jen Smith (@ByJenSmith) January 30, 2017
House will replace D.J. Eliot, who accepted a job offer to become Colorado’s defensive coordinator in the ongoing assistant coaching carousel this offseason. House previously held defensive coordinator responsibilities at previous stops at Pitt and FIU prior to joining Kentucky in 2016. House was Pitt’s defensive coordinator in 2013 and 2014 and for FIU in 2015.
Kentucky’s defense ranked ninth in the SEC in total defense in 2016, allowing an average of 434.2 yards per game. The Wildcats also allowed an average of 31.3 points per game, which ranked 11th in the SEC.