Fuqua, who spent the last two seasons as co-defensive coordinator at Cincinnati, is no stranger to building successful defenses. While at Cincinnati, he coached the outside linebackers in 2023 and the STARS safety position in 2024.
One of his standout players, freshman safety Jiquan Sanks, recorded 42 tackles and became the first freshman to start a season opener for Cincinnati since 2015. Prior to that, Fuqua spent six years at Georgia State as the defensive coordinator and outside linebackers coach, where his defense was a dominant force in the Sun Belt.
His units consistently ranked highly, including second in rushing defense in 2020 and 2021, and in 2022, his defense ranked 11th nationally with 25 forced turnovers. He also led the Panthers to four bowl appearances, winning three of them.
Fuqua’s journey back to Kentucky is a homecoming, both professionally and personally. A former Danville High School standout, he earned First Team All-State honors and was inducted into the Danville High School Hall of Fame in 2007.
Before his collegiate coaching career, Fuqua spent 12 seasons at his alma mater, Wofford, where he rose from position coach to defensive coordinator. Under his leadership, Wofford’s defense reached national prominence, ranking fifth in total defense and sixth in scoring defense during the 2016 season. Fuqua, a four-year starter at nose tackle for Wofford, remains in the school’s record books for career tackles for loss and sacks.
Now, at 44, Fuqua is eager to reunite with his roots and work with Kentucky’s head coach Mark Stoops and defensive coordinator Brad White. “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.” With his deep connections to Kentucky and decades of coaching experience, Fuqua is poised to be a valuable asset in shaping Kentucky’s defense as they continue their pursuit of success in the SEC.
