Building a Stronger Kentucky Football Program: Five Ideal Candidates for Wildcats’ First GM
As college football continues to evolve, many programs are adopting the general manager (GM) model to handle roster management, recruiting strategies, and player development. This shift allows head coaches to focus more on game preparation and in-game decision-making. For the University of Kentucky, appointing a GM could be a game-changer, providing structure, strategic vision, and long-term planning for the Wildcats’ football program.
With head coach Mark Stoops expressing the challenges of handling all aspects of program management alone, the addition of a GM could streamline operations and elevate Kentucky football to new heights. Here are five individuals who would be exceptional choices for this role.
1. Tim Couch – A Kentucky Legend With Deep Roots in the Program
Few names resonate within Kentucky football quite like Tim Couch. As a record-breaking Wildcats quarterback and the first overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft, Couch has an intimate understanding of what it takes to succeed at Kentucky and transition to the next level.
Beyond his on-field success, Couch has remained closely connected to the program and brings a wealth of experience from his time analyzing football as a broadcaster. His ability to evaluate talent, connect with recruits, and offer guidance on player development could make him a strong, culture-driven GM who understands the identity and aspirations of Kentucky football.
2. Jimmy Sexton – A Power Broker in the Football World
If Kentucky wants a GM with serious connections, few are better suited than Jimmy Sexton. As one of the most powerful sports agents in football, Sexton has built relationships with top coaches, NFL executives, and elite college prospects. His extensive network could provide Kentucky with a unique advantage in recruiting and player development.
Sexton understands how to negotiate contracts, identify talent, and build relationships, making him a strong candidate to oversee Kentucky’s football operations and long-term strategy. While he has spent his career representing players and coaches, transitioning into a GM role could allow him to shape a program at the collegiate level, much like he has done for numerous NFL teams behind the scenes.
3. Ed Berry – A Talent Evaluator With Kentucky Ties
A respected NFL agent with years of experience in player representation, scouting, and contract negotiations, Ed Berry has built a career around identifying and developing football talent. What makes Berry particularly intriguing for Kentucky is his strong connection to the program, which he credits for putting him on the path to becoming an agent.
Berry’s ability to assess players’ potential, navigate NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) opportunities, and develop long-term recruiting strategies would make him a valuable asset as Kentucky’s GM. His professional experience managing NFL-level talent could give the Wildcats an edge in both recruitment and player retention.
4. Tom Telesco – A Proven NFL General Manager With Roster-Building Expertise
If Kentucky wants a true front-office executive to modernize its football operations, Tom Telesco would be a home-run hire. With a proven track record as GM for the Los Angeles Chargers and Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders, Telesco understands roster construction, salary cap management, and talent evaluation at the highest level.
Transitioning from the NFL to the college game would present challenges, but Telesco’s eye for talent, analytical approach, and team-building expertise could reshape Kentucky’s football program. His leadership could help the Wildcats compete at a higher level within the SEC by bringing a pro-style approach to roster management and development.
5. Joker Phillips – A Familiar Face With Coaching & Recruiting Expertise
A former Kentucky head coach and a well-respected recruiter, Joker Phillips already knows the inner workings of Kentucky football. While his tenure as head coach didn’t go as planned, his ability to evaluate talent, build relationships with recruits, and manage player development makes him an intriguing candidate for the GM role.
Phillips has continued his coaching career, currently serving as wide receivers coach for NC State, but a move into a GM role could allow him to make a lasting impact on the program without the pressures of head coaching. His experience recruiting within the SEC landscape, combined with his deep ties to Kentucky, would help stabilize the program’s long-term growth and success.
Why Kentucky Needs a GM Now
The modern college football landscape is more complex than ever, with NIL deals, transfer portal chaos, and evolving recruiting challenges requiring full-time attention. Mark Stoops has already expressed how difficult it is to handle everything alone, and adding a GM would help ease that burden while ensuring Kentucky remains competitive.
A GM would allow Kentucky to:
- Improve talent evaluation and roster management
- Enhance recruiting efforts with a long-term vision
- Navigate NIL deals and player retention more effectively
- Provide strategic leadership and stability for the program
With these five candidates, Kentucky has a unique opportunity to reshape its football program and position itself for sustained success in the SEC. The question now is—will the Wildcats make the move before their rivals get ahead?
