Bush Hamdan is in his second year as Kentucky football’s offensive coordinator. Will the unit improve?
Bush Hamdan enters his second year as Kentucky football’s offensive coordinator with cautious optimism surrounding the Wildcats’ potential offensive resurgence. After a 2024 season filled with inconsistency, uneven execution, and flashes of brilliance that were too often drowned by lulls in production, Hamdan faces the tall task of turning potential into results. The key question as the 2025 season approaches is whether the offensive unit will take a definitive step forward under his guidance. Several factors suggest it’s possible, but nothing is guaranteed in the unforgiving environment of the Southeastern Conference.
In Hamdan’s first year at Kentucky, the offense often struggled to find rhythm, particularly in the red zone and on third downs. The Wildcats finished near the bottom of the SEC in several offensive categories, including total yards per game, passing efficiency, and third-down conversion rate. Yet, to attribute all of these struggles to coaching would be an oversimplification. Kentucky’s offensive line dealt with inconsistency and injuries, quarterback play was sporadic, and the wide receiving corps failed to provide the explosiveness needed to stretch defenses. Still, as the offensive coordinator, Hamdan bears responsibility for scheming around those limitations and building an identity. Year one didn’t produce that identity, but year two offers a second chance.
One of the most important elements of Hamdan’s second season is continuity. Unlike the start of his tenure, when players and coaches were adjusting to new systems and terminology, this season brings a returning cast that should be more comfortable with the playbook. Quarterbacks, linemen, and skill players alike benefit from not having to learn a new offense from scratch. That familiarity can be the foundation for quicker execution, deeper play-calling, and more cohesive game plans. If the returning players have absorbed the system and the younger talent has grown into their roles, Kentucky’s offense should, in theory, look more fluid and efficient.
Quarterback play will be the biggest determinant in Kentucky’s offensive growth under Hamdan. In 2024, the Wildcats cycled through inconsistent performances at the position, which limited Hamdan’s ability to open up the playbook. With quarterback being the most pivotal position in modern football, Kentucky needs a player who can be both a field general and a playmaker. Whether it’s a returning player stepping into a leadership role or a transfer taking the reins, Hamdan will need to tailor his scheme to fit the quarterback’s strengths. His history suggests he prefers balance and efficiency over explosiveness, but in the current SEC landscape, having a quarterback who can extend plays, make off-platform throws, and stretch the field is almost a requirement. Kentucky doesn’t necessarily need an All-American under center, but it does need someone who can consistently execute the offense and avoid critical mistakes.
The offensive line also holds the key to any improvement. Kentucky’s “Big Blue Wall,” which was once a strength under former offensive line coach John Schlarman, has regressed in recent years. For Hamdan’s offense to reach its potential, the line has to protect the quarterback and open running lanes. In 2024, too many drives stalled due to sacks or negative plays, a direct result of missed assignments or physical mismatches up front. Improved technique, health, and depth are all necessary to change that trend. If the Wildcats can field a competent and cohesive offensive line, Hamdan’s system—built on rhythm, tempo, and calculated aggression—can finally take hold.
The running back room provides another source of potential optimism. While Kentucky lacked a game-breaking rusher last year, the group did show flashes of power and consistency. With another year in the system, and if the offensive line can provide better push, the backs could become a reliable weapon. Hamdan has shown in previous stops that he values the run game, not just as a way to balance the offense but as a foundational element that opens up play-action and misdirection. If Kentucky can establish the run early in games, it will relieve pressure on the quarterback and give Hamdan a fuller menu of options on second and third downs. A reliable running game can also keep the defense off the field longer, which matters in the brutal SEC grind.
Wide receiver play will need to evolve as well. In 2024, the receivers struggled with drops, inconsistent route running, and a lack of explosive plays. In a conference filled with elite cornerbacks and aggressive pass rushers, receivers must be sharp, fast, and physical. If Kentucky’s receiver group matures and develops chemistry with the quarterback, Hamdan will have more flexibility in his play-calling. The ability to run timing routes, stretch the field vertically, and make contested catches can elevate an offense from mediocre to competitive. A deep threat would be particularly valuable, forcing defenses to play honest and opening up space underneath for tight ends and backs. Hamdan’s challenge is not only coaching better route discipline but also designing plays that get receivers open more efficiently.
One factor working in Hamdan’s favor is that he’s not new to SEC-level pressure or expectation. His coaching journey has taken him through stops at Washington, Missouri, and Auburn, among others, giving him a wide range of experiences to draw upon. He understands how to prepare for elite defenses and how to adapt when things go wrong. His time as a quarterbacks coach also gives him insight into how to nurture leadership and decision-making in the most critical position on the field. Experience doesn’t guarantee success, but it does help a coordinator weather the inevitable challenges of a long season.
Recruiting will also start to reflect more of Hamdan’s influence this year and beyond. Most of the offensive players on last year’s roster were recruited before Hamdan arrived. But as his recruits begin to fill depth charts, the offense may start to look more like his vision. It takes time to mold a unit in a coach’s image, and now that he’s in his second year, the blend of holdovers and newcomers should create a more customized roster for his strategy. That said, development is as important as recruiting. Players must not only fit the scheme on paper but must improve year over year. Kentucky’s player development, particularly at wide receiver and offensive line, will be an important metric for evaluating Hamdan’s influence.
One underrated aspect of Hamdan’s second year is how his offense interacts with Kentucky’s defense. Mark Stoops has built the Wildcats around a physical, disciplined defensive identity. If Hamdan’s offense can sustain drives, reduce turnovers, and avoid quick three-and-outs, it will benefit the entire team. Field position, time of possession, and momentum are interconnected elements, and a competent offense makes life easier for the defense. Conversely, if the offense sputters again, it places greater strain on the defense to hold opponents in check, which rarely works over the course of a full SEC schedule.
The schedule will play a role in shaping public perception of whether Hamdan’s offense has improved. Early-season games against non-conference opponents can provide an opportunity to build confidence, experiment with schemes, and establish rhythm. But the true test will come in conference play, when Kentucky faces the likes of Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee. Those defenses don’t forgive hesitation or inefficiency. If Hamdan’s unit can move the ball, score points, and protect possessions against elite competition, it will signal genuine progress. If not, questions will intensify about whether he’s the right coordinator to elevate Kentucky’s offense to an SEC-caliber level.
There’s also the intangible element of belief. Players need to believe in the system and the play-caller, particularly when adversity hits. In close games, red-zone moments, and two-minute drills, trust between players and coaches is paramount. Year one was about installation and adjustment. Year two must be about belief and execution. If Hamdan can instill confidence in his quarterback, consistency in his line, and creativity in his play-calling, the offense should begin to gel. But that process is fragile. A slow start or high-profile loss could shake confidence and create pressure both internally and externally.
Ultimately, the question of whether Kentucky’s offense will improve under Bush Hamdan in year two depends on a blend of talent development, health, scheme adjustment, and situational performance. Improvement isn’t always linear or dramatic—it might come in the form of more consistent drives, fewer turnovers, or improved efficiency on third down. Those marginal gains can be the difference between a seven-win season and a nine-win season, especially in a conference where every game is a grind.
The stakes are high. Kentucky’s fan base has grown increasingly impatient with offensive mediocrity, especially as rival programs continue to innovate and put points on the board. If Hamdan can lead a turnaround, he’ll not only solidify his place in Lexington but could become a hot commodity in coaching circles. If the offense stagnates, the scrutiny will intensify and potential changes may follow. That’s the nature of coaching in the SEC—a results-driven business where improvement must be both real and rapid.
So, will the unit improve in Hamdan’s second year? The ingredients are there: returning players more comfortable in the system, a full offseason to correct mistakes, and a coordinator with experience at high levels. But execution, health, and leadership will determine whether those ingredients yield a more potent offense or another year of unfulfilled promise. The next few months will provide the answer, but for now, the hope in Lexington is that year two brings the clarity and production that year one lacked.
