Will Stein continues to shape his first Kentucky football staff with a notable addition from the national stage. According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Parker Fleming will join the Wildcats’ coaching staff in 2026,
where he will coach special teams and inside wide receivers.
Fleming brings an extensive coaching resume and postseason pedigree to Lexington. He has coached at four different schools during his career, three of which appeared in the College Football Playoff this season. Known for his versatility, Fleming has consistently handled special teams, wide receivers, or both at every stop.
His coaching career began as a graduate assistant at Ohio State from 2012–13 before moving on to James Madison, where he coached wide receivers from 2014–15. Fleming then spent two seasons at Texas State, coaching special teams, wide receivers, and quarterbacks.
He returned to Ohio State in 2018 as a quality control coach and was later promoted to special teams coordinator, a role he held from 2021–23.
Most recently, Fleming served as an offensive analyst on Stein’s staff at Oregon, helping solidify an existing working relationship between the two coaches. His addition also strengthens Kentucky’s ties to Ohio, a region that played a major role during the Mark Stoops era.
With Fleming on board, Stein’s 2026 coaching staff continues to take shape, blending SEC familiarity, CFP experience, and analytical insight as Kentucky looks to build momentum entering a new era in Lexington.
