Kentucky head football coach Mark Stoops has announced the hiring of Danville, Kentucky native Nate Fuqua as a defensive analyst. Fuqua returns to his home state after coaching stints at Cincinnati, Georgia State and Wofford. He will work primarily with outside linebackers.

“We are excited to have Nate Fuqua join our program,” Stoops said “He brings a lot of experience as he’s been a defensive coach for more than 20 years, including a defensive coordinator the last 11. He’s also a Kentucky native and is familiar with this program, having grown up in Danville. He is a welcomed addition to our defensive room.”

Prior to Kentucky, Fuqua (pronounced FEW-quay) spent two seasons as the co-defensive coordinator at Cincinnati, including working with the outside linebackers in 2023 and the STARS safety in 2024. Last season, he tutored freshman star safety Jiquan Sanks, who totaled 42 tackles and earned a starting spot in five games, becoming the first freshman to start a season opener since 2015.

Before joining the Bearcats, he was the defensive coordinator and outside linebackers coach at Georgia State for six seasons (2017-22).

“I’m very excited about the opportunity to work with Coach Stoops and Coach Brad White,” Fuqua said. “Being able to learn from two of the best defensive coaches in the game is a tremendous opportunity and something I could not pass up. This is also a great move for my family because we get to return to our home state and be a part of the Big Blue Nation.”

At Georgia State, Fuqua coached 24 players who went on to earn all-conference honors. He had five Panthers earn pro contracts. In 2020 and 2021, his run defense ranked second in the Sun Belt in rushing yards allowed. Outside linebacker Jordan Strachan tied for first in FBS with a school-record 10.5 sacks. In 2022, his defensive unit ranked 11^th nationally with 25 forced turnovers.

He was an integral part of the Panthers advancing to four bowl games, with three bowl victories (2017, 2020 and 2021).

Fuqua spent 12 seasons (2005-16) at his alma mater, Wofford, serving the first two seasons helping with the outside and inside linebackers before being promoted to the outside linebackers coach in 2007. In 2013, he added the defensive coordinator title to go along with his outside linebackers duties. Under his tutelage, Wofford advanced to the FCS quarterfinals in 2016 with a defense that ranked fifth nationally in total defense, limiting the opponent to 287.2 yards per game and sixth in scoring defense, allowing just 17.1 points per game.

A four-year starter at nose tackle in college, Fuqua was a four-time All-Southern Conference player and two-time All-American for the Terriers, including first-team recognition as a senior in 2002. He totaled 218 tackles in his career and ranks among Wofford’s all-time leaders in tackles for loss and sacks. He was elected to the Wofford College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008.

Fuqua, 44, received his bachelor’s degree in business economics from Wofford in 2003. He and his wife, Tiffany, have a daughter, Natalie Marie, and a son, Webb Kirkland.

At Danville High School, Fuqua made a name for himself as a First Team All-State selection at nose tackle and offensive guard.  He was named Area Lineman of the Year and to the Top 22 Class of the Bluegrass. He also was selected for the Kentucky-Tennessee All-Star game.  In 2007, he was inducted into the Danville High School Hall of Fame.

His brother, Ben, played golf at Kentucky from 2005-09 and served as an assistant coach for the Wildcats for eight seasons (2015-23).

Nate Fuqua’s Coaching Career

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