Kentucky hires Boise State’s Hamdan as OC

Boise State assistant Bush Hamdan is headed to Kentucky as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.

Head coach Mark Stoops announced the hiring of Hamdan, a veteran offensive coach who brings SEC experience from his time at Missouri and coordinating experience at Boise State and Washington, in a statement Wednesday.

“I’ve known Bush for a few years and spent some quality time with him in 2021,” Stoops said. “Since then, I’ve followed his career and have been very impressed by him.”

Boise State finished No. 6 nationally in rushing offense in 2023, averaging 214.9 rushing yards per game. Boise State won the Mountain West championship and finished No. 26 in the country in total offense.

Hamdan was the pass game coordinator and wide receivers coach for Chris Petersen at Washington when it reached the College Football Playoff. He also coached quarterbacks in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons.

Hamdan’s departure opens up one of the most intriguing offensive coordinator jobs in the country. Boise State returns eight starters on offense, including Mountain West Player of the Year Ashton Jeanty, one of the country’s top running backs.

Boise State also made one of the most intriguing offseason acquisitions, as it added quarterback Malachi Nelson, the country’s No. 1 overall recruit in 2023. Nelson transferred to Boise State from USC after the 2023 season.

Overall, Boise State returns 17 starters and appears poised to be one of the top Group of 5 programs next season.

Hamdan replaces Liam Coen, who left Kentucky to become the offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.