Player Bio: Chris Lancaster - Kentucky Wildcats Official Athletic Site

Football

Chris Lancaster

	Position: Assistant Coach
	Experience: 2nd Year at UK
	Coaches: Offensive Line

Chris Lancaster moves from defense to offense this season as he takes over the Wildcat offensive line.

In coaching the offensive line, Lancaster returns to a group he coached for eight years prior to his arrival in Lexington. He inherits five returnees who have some experience as starters, but Lancaster is challenged to develop quality depth among the inexperienced backups. Noted for his enthusiasm and intensity on the practice field, he hopes to bring the same success to the O-Line that was achieved by the defensive ends he handled a year ago.

�Coach Lancaster brings a presence to our team-he works us hard but he makes it in a fun way. He�s one of the most exciting, energetic coaches I�ve been around.�

Center Nick Seitze

Last year under Lancaster�s tutelage, Dennis Johnson was named the �Best Defensive Player� in the Southeastern Conference by The Southeastern Post magazine. Johnson led the SEC in tackles for loss, quarterback sacks, and fumbles caused, in addition to setting a single-season school record for sacks. Johnson was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL Draft and the Wildcats� other starting end, Chris Demaree, signed a free-agent contract with Tampa Bay.

Lancaster came to UK from the I-AA ranks, where he coached offensive line play for four seasons at McNeese State (1999-2000) and Sam Houston State (1997-98). McNeese State went to the national playoffs in the 2000 season while leading the conference in rushing and total offense. In the 2000 season opener, McNeese piled up 409 yards of total offense, including 212 rushing yards, against Miami (Fla.). Lancaster prot�g� Wes Hines earned All-America honors at offensive tackle and is now a member of the Minnesota Vikings.

While at Sam Houston State, in addition to guiding the offensive line, Lancaster was the running game coordinator in 1997 and the offensive coordinator in 1998. He coached offensive lineman Greg Studdard, who played in the National Football League with Atlanta and the New York Giants.

Lancaster coached offensive tackles, tight ends, and special teams at Baylor from 1993-96, including a trip to the 1994 Alamo Bowl. One of Lancaster�s players, offensive tackle Fred Miller, was a two-year All-Southwest Conference choice and currently is the starting right tackle for the Tennessee Titans. Lancaster also was a graduate assistant coach at Baylor (1990-91), working with tight ends and linebackers, and the Bears played in the 1991 Copper Bowl.

A native of Ft. Rucker, Ala., Lancaster grew up in Atlanta, Ga. He was the starting fullback at Clemson from 1985-87 before suffering a career-ending injury. He finished his career at Clemson as a student assistant coach in 1988-89 and worked with the running backs. During his five seasons at Clemson, the Tigers won three ACC championships (1986-88) and played in five bowl games � the Independence, Gator (twice), and Citrus (twice). Lancaster returned to Clemson in 1992 as a graduate assistant coach and worked with the tight ends.

Lancaster and his wife, Kathi, have two daughters � Kaila and Klemson.

Lancaster�s Coaching Experience

Year      School/Team        Position
1988-89   Clemson            Student Assistant (Running Backs), two bowls
1990-91   Baylor             Graduate Assistant (Tight Ends, Linebackers), one bowl
1992      Clemson            Graduate Assistant (Tight Ends)
1993-96   Baylor             Assistant Coach (Offensive Tackles, Tight Ends,
                             Special Teams), one bowl
1997-98   Sam Houston State  Assistant Coach (Offensive Line)
1999-2000 McNeese State      Assistant Coach (Offensive Line)
2001      Kentucky           Assistant Coach (Defensive Ends)
2002      Kentucky           Assistant Coach (Offensive Line)