Kentucky football head coach Will Stein officially announced the additions of general manager Pat Biondo and assistant general manager Pete Nohta to the program. UK has also retained Josh Pruitt as operations director.
“I am pleased to welcome Pat as our new general manager,” Stein said in a release. “He has a relentless work ethic and a clear vision for how to build teams and successful programs. His ability to connect with people and bring out the best in those around him makes him the perfect fit.”
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Biondo has spent the past four years with the Oregon Ducks as director of football recruiting strategy. He joined the program in 2022 and helped produce four consecutive top-15 recruiting classes, including the No. 3-ranked 2024 class, according to 247 Sports.
Prior to joining Oregon State, Biondo spent three seasons as a senior assistant in recruiting and operations at Texas A&M. While with the Aggies, he helped bring in three top-10 classes, according to 247 Sports. The class of 2019 ranked fourth.
“I am extremely grateful to have been named general manager of Kentucky football,” Biondo said in a release. “Each of my previous stops has helped prepare me for this role by giving me a broader perspective on roster management, recruiting and building a sustainable program. Kentucky has a solid foundation and a clear vision, and I’m excited to work with Coach Stan and our staff to help build a roster that reflects the culture of Kentucky football.”
Nochita comes to Kentucky after 10 seasons with the Louisville Cardinals. He spent the past four years as the Cardinals’ director of recruiting. While in that position, he recruited some big names to the program, including wide receiver Tutu Atwell, offensive lineman Mekhi Becton, wide receiver Chris Bell, tight end Cole Chicutini and defensive back Quincy Riley.
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“I have known Pete for a long time and he is an outstanding addition to our program,” Stein said. “He is experienced, detail-oriented and committed to doing things the right way. I look forward to the impact he will have from day one.”
Prior to Louisville, Nochta served as director of high school relations for one season (2018) and director of campus recruiting for two years (2016-17). He started at LB as a graduate assistant at tight end (2014).
In addition to his time at Louisville, Nochita served as a graduate assistant twice – at Purdue University in 2012 and at Western Kentucky University in 2013. He also served as offensive quality control coach at Purdue University in 2011.
“I’ve known Will most of my adult life,” Nochita said. “I know his heart, his character, who he is as a person and how much he cares about other people. He’s also the ultimate competitor and he instills confidence in everyone around him.
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“Another reason I’m excited to come back is that I can be closer to my parents and they can watch their grandchildren grow up. The opportunity to return to the hometown where I grew up and be a part of what Will is building is very special and something I couldn’t pass up. Leaving a place where I’ve been for ten years shows how much I believe in Will Stein.”
During his coaching career, Nochita helped develop several players who would later enter the NFL, including Louisville’s Chicutini, Western Kentucky’s Keith Towbridge, Charles Standbury, and Gerald Christian, as well as Purdue’s Tyler Higbee, Mitchell Henry and Gabe Holmes.
Pruitt enters his 14th season at Kentucky and his sixth as director of operations. He transitioned to his current position in 2020 after serving as director of player personnel during the 2019 season. He also served as the defensive quality control coach in 2018 and previously served as a graduate assistant with the Wildcats.
