Larry Hoefer
	Position: Assistant Coach Experience: 2nd Year at UK Coaches: Safeties

Larry Hoefer, who coached the Wildcat outside safeties last year, also will coach the free safeties in the 2002 season.

Under Hoefer’s direction, outside safety David Johnson led the team in interceptions last year. Johnson is back for his senior season, along with another veteran performer at free safety, Quentus Cumby. In addition, Hoefer will help develop several young players who will contend for playing time.

Hoefer has long-time experience with UK’s eight-man front defense. In fact, he has been a defensive coordinator at two Division I-A schools.

Hoefer came to UK from Texas-El Paso, where he was defensive coordinator and linebackers coach for the 2000 season. The Miners posted an 8-3 regular season record, were co-champions of the Western Athletic Conference, and played in the Humanitarian Bowl. The bowl game marked Hoefer’s sixth as a coach, in addition to four at Texas Tech and one in 1988 in his previous stay at UTEP.

“Coach Hoefer is a great teacher of the game. He is straightforward and not only teaches us about football but talks to us about life and what's going on outside of football." Outside Safety Tayo Agboke

Using an eight-man front under Hoefer’s guidance, UTEP reduced its rushing yardage allowed from 208.2 yards per game in 1999 to 153.8 ypg in the 2000 season. UTEP held five of its league opponents under 100 yards rushing. The Miners also ranked 19th nationally in pass efficiency defense.

Hoefer was at Texas Tech from 1994-99, where he coached the Red Raiders’ outside linebackers and worked with UK defensive coordinator John Goodner. Tech was bowl-eligible every season and played in the Cotton, Copper, Alamo, and Independence bowls. Among his players were Marcus Coleman, a first-team All-American in 1995 who played for the New York Jets, and Ty Ardoin, who went on to play for the NFL’s New York Giants. Hoefer also guided All-Big 12 picks Robert Johnson and Jody Brown. The Red Raiders ranked first in the nation for takeaways over a five-year period from 1993-97.

Hoefer had multiple responsibilities as an assistant at Missouri from 1989-93, working his way up from receivers coach to defensive coordinator and assistant head coach. Hoefer’s first term at UTEP was from 1982-88, capped by a 10-win season and a berth in the 1988 Independence Bowl.

A native of Abilene, Texas, Hoefer stayed in his hometown and played defensive back at McMurry College. He was an all-conference choice, team captain, and was the team’s most valuable player, helping McMurry notch a top-10 NAIA ranking.

Hoefer’s first coaching stop was at Tarleton State in 1974-75. He went on to coach at Big Spring (Tex.) High School in 1976 and Abilene HS from 1977-80. Hoefer coached at West Texas State in 1981 before his first stint at UTEP.

Hoefer and his wife, Kathy, have three children – married daughter Alison Schupp and sons Tyler and Bennett, and a granddaughter, Sydney Schupp.

Hoefer’s Coaching Experience

Year    School/Team           Position
1974-75 Tarleton State        Graduate Assistant (Defensive Backs)
1976    Big Spring (Tex.) HS  Assistant Coach 
1977-80 Abilene (Tex.) HS     Assistant Coach
1981    West Texas State      Assistant Coach (Defensive Ends)
1982-88 Texas-El Paso         Assistant Coach (Wide Receivers), one bowl game
1989-93 Missouri              Assistant Coach (Assistant Head Coach, Defensive Coordinator,
                              Defensive Backs)
1994-99 Texas Tech            Assistant Coach (Outside Linebackers), four bowl games
2000    Texas-El Paso         Assistant Coach (Defensive Coordinator, Linebackers), 
                              one bowl game
2001-   Kentucky              Assistant Coach (Safeties)

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