Mike Archer, defensive coordinator at the University of Kentucky, has resigned in order to accept another coaching position.
Archer has been the defensive coordinator at UK for the past four seasons, working to build a unit that has been challenged by low scholarship numbers, injuries, and inexperience. Archer’s patient building began showing signs of improvement during the 2006 season, as the Wildcats posted an 8-5 record, including a 28-20 victory over Clemson in the Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl.
After allowing 34.1 points per game in 2005, UK improved to 28.4 points per game during the 2006 season. The Wildcats also generated 32 takeaways on defense and the turnover margin of +15 will put UK as one of the top teams in the nation in that category when final NCAA statistics are released. The defense played some of its best football in the final two games of the season in a 17-12 loss to Tennessee in Knoxville, followed by the bowl win in which the Wildcats surrendered only six points until the fourth quarter and also held the powerful Clemson running game well below its season average.
“I appreciate everything Mike Archer has put into the UK program,” Coach Rich Brooks said. “Obviously, we had a very difficult rebuilding job but he got it done this year with a relatively young defensive group. We wish him well. Karen and I have enjoyed Mike and Barbara personally as friends and we’re sorry to see them go. We’ll be making an announcement on a replacement soon.”
“I greatly appreciate what Coach Brooks has done in support of me,” Archer said. “I also thank our coaches, our players, and our fans. The bowl game was a great experience, something I’ll never forget, especially how our fans turned out for the ‘Cat Walk’ before the game. I’m looking forward to the next opportunity and challenge.”
A native of State College, Pa., Archer played his college football at Miami (Fla.). He has coached at Miami, LSU, Virginia, Kentucky (1993-95), and the Pittsburgh Steelers before returning for a second stint at UK in 2003.
